Show Y I 1 Gi By Dr David Evans Vernal Family Health Center Treatment of stings and bites Dr David Evans Body defenses are Important in determining the Intensity and kind of reaction to Insect stings slings and bites Some Individuals acquire hypersensitivity after repeated repealed ted stings or bites others develop a tolerance Beekeepers may stop developing reactions to the stings of bees and other Insects of the order Hymenoptera membranous wings to insect stings slings can be treated by desensitization Successful attempts have been made at at desensitization by inoculations of diluted extracts from responsible insects over a long period UI BECAUSE CAUSE OF the wide range of reactions to insect stings and bites treatment usually depends on the symptoms Nonprescription Nonprescription Nonprescription Non- Non prescription drugs are of no value in systemic reactions such cases need the prompt attention of a physician For locally confined reactions an the over preparation that can relieve itching and scratching by relieving pain and discomfort can be used Prophylactic products such as insect can be used Physician-directed Physician medical treatment acute or prophylactic is import important nt in inmany inmany inmany many cases Because hyper hyper- reactions to insect stings and bites bites' occur rapidly and are usually severe the faster that medical attention is given the better chances are for survival Systemic reactions caused by insect stings and bites are considered emergencies and are arc usually treated with one or more of the following drugs epinephrine and antihistamines Oxygen should be available for respiratory support First Aid Basic Dasie first aid measures are arc helpful until medical help is available Promptly applying ice packs on the sting site helps slow the absorption of venom and reduce itching swelling and pain Removing the honeybees honeybee's stinger and venom venoms venom's s 's sac sc c which are arc usually left in the skin is another measure that should be offered or explained particularly to allergic in In In- The stinger should be removed before all all the venom is injected It takes about 2 to 3 minutes to empty all the contents from the venom sac of the honeybee The sac should not be squeezed because rubbing scratching and grasping it releases more venom Scraping the stinger with tweezer or a fingernail minimizes flow of venom After removing the stinger an antiseptic antiseptic an an- c an-c should be used Emergency Kits sting Insect emergency kits for hypersensitive individuals should be available If indeed you or a member of your family has a hypersensitivity problem it should be discussed with your physician and instruction given in the proper use lIse of the emergency kit o |