Most of the time a sting doesn't cause more than a mild reaction, but it can be quite dangerous if you are allergic. A mild reaction may include pain upon stinging, itching, and/or mild swelling to the area that was stung. These reactions may occur as soon as you are stung, but there are other reactions that may occur within a day or so. These delayed reactions may include a fever, joints that are swollen and painful, swollen glands, and/or hives. These reactions will disappear in a few days without any long lasting health concerns. A more dangerous reaction occurs if you have a sensitivity to the venom and other substances that are injected into your body from the sting.

If you have a strong allergy to the sting's poison, anaphylaxis may occur. This can cause many life-threatening symptoms, including facial pain, shock, and breathing problems. These symptoms can be fatal if medical attention is not given in a timely manner. If you feel any of these symptoms beginning after a sting, call 911 for help. These symptoms can occur quite quickly after a sting and tend to progress quickly, so it is important to get help as soon as possible. If you are highly allergic it's prudent to always have an Epi-Pen on you so you can have immediate relief from the allergic reaction. Remember though, the duration of the help received from an Epi-Pen lasts only a few minutes so you need to quickly act on getting emergency help.

For mild reactions to stings, do what you can to help decrease pain and other symptoms. First, move to a safe area away from the offending insects. Scrape the stinger off your skin with a credit card or other flat object, as trying to pull it from your body may release more of the venom. Wash the area with soap and water and apply a hydrocortisone cream. Taking an antihistamine by mouth can help to decrease the immune response to the sting as well.

There are lots of old wives' tales about what the best remedy is for a sting. I have heard that baking soda paste on the sting pulls the poison out (that's what I did all of my childhood when stung), reducing the discomfort. And then there is the toothpaste, meat tenderizer, cold water or ice, mud, or Epsom salt that will reduce the swelling and stop the pain. Do you want to follow any of them or just go with taking an antihistamine like Benadryl for your first aid?

If you are with a person who was stung and is having a reaction to the sting, call 911 immediately. Then check for any special medications that the person may have for allergic reactions, like an Epi-Pen. If they have a medication, administer it. Have the person lie down with their feet higher than their head to help prevent them from going into shock, and cover them with a blanket. If the person stops breathing, begin CPR. A severe reaction can be scary for the person stung and the people they are with. By knowing what to do, you can be better able to handle the situation.

A sting by a bee, wasp, or hornet can be scary and quite painful. By being prepared, you can better take care of yourself and your family to keep them and you safe.