Stung! What to do?

Considering the increase in allergic reactions from bee stings and mosquito bites over the last years, in this article we ask ourselves, what can we do to avoid getting bitten in the first place and give some recommendations for suitable first aid treatment.

Bees and wasps can be attracted to, or may react to, odours in the environment. It is best not to use perfume, cologne, or scented soaps if you are going into an area of bee and/or wasp activity.

Unless someone accidentally collides quite hard with or swats at a bee or wasp, it is not likely to sting.

Avoid going barefoot in vegetation, especially clover and blooming ground covers. Also avoid wearing brightly coloured or patterned clothing.

If you remain calm when a bee or wasp lands on your skin to inspect a smell or to get water if you are sweating heavily, the insect will eventually leave of its own accord. If you don’t want to wait for it to leave, gently and slowly brush it away with a piece of paper.

When swimming in pools, watch out for bees or wasps trapped on the surface of the water. If you find bees or wasps in the water, it is best to remove them to avoid being stung.

Stinging incidents often occur when nesting areas of social insects are disturbed. Be observant of the area around you. If you see insects flying to and from a particular place, avoid it.

If you are going to be in an area where disturbing a nest is likely, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. It might be a good idea to carry a military surplus, collapsible mosquito/gnat veil with you.

Stinging insects often fly around the top of their targets. Because stings in the face can be disorienting, put on the veil, or pull a portion of your shirt over your head, and run away. Be sure that you can see where you are going!

Insect repellent applied to your skin or clothing will deter these stinging insects.

Bee sting allergy symptoms often begin with a dry cough. Then, the eye area begins to itch and swell. As symptoms progress, the patient begins to sneeze and wheeze, and develop hives that itch.

These symptoms may be warning signs of a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis. Symptoms include sudden anxiety and weakness, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, very low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and shock.

Anaphylactic shock can occur within minutes and result in death. A patient in anaphylactic shock needs immediate medical treatment.

There are many modern and traditional remedies to counteract a bite or sting. Your local therapist and pharmacist will be able to help you further.

Here are some suggestions which you can do yourself easily:

• Outerly apply manuka or tea tree oil on the affected area for soothing the pain and the itching.

• Try the homeopathic remedy “Apis”.

• In bach flower therapy, the well known “Resuce Remedy” gives an emotional relief and can well be taken along with any other medicines.

• An innovative method for immediate treatment uses plain pure heat (no electricity though!) that helps to suppress the histamine which would otherwise cause the allergic reaction. The advantage is that this takes only three seconds to use, is safe for kids and adults alike and easy to carry around. This patented technology is used in the Biteaway device, available from many pharmacies and on-line, www.wellness-shop.co.nz