Upton Group Practice

Bites & Stings

Animal Bites

Animal teeth are very dirty and the wound should be thoroughly cleaned with warm, soapy water. Check the wound the following day for any redness which may be the start of an infection.  If the skin has a puncture wound it may be necessary to have a Tetanus injection and you should consult your doctor or nurse to check whether this is necessary.

Insect Bites and Stings

Bee Stings

Bees leave their stings in the skin but the sting can be removed by gently scraping it away with a knife. Be careful not to squeeze the poison sac. A paste made with bicarbonate of soda and water will help relieve the irritation and you can take oral antihistamines, available from your pharmacist.

Wasp Stings

Wasps do not leave their stings in the skin, vinegar will help relieve the irritation and you can take oral antihistamines, available from your pharmacist.

People who know they are allergic to Bee or Wasp stings should take antihistamine tablets as soon as possible after being stung.

Severe Reactions

Some people may have a severe reaction to a bite or sting causing difficulty in breathing or faintness and possibly collapse. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY AND A DOCTOR MUST BE CONTACTED AT ONCE. DIAL 999 OR TAKE THE PATIENT TO THE NEAREST ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.

Other Insect Bites

Can cause itchy or irritating lumps which can be soothed by calamine lotion and you can take antihistamine tablets available from your pharmacist.

YOU WILL NEED TO SEE YOUR PRACTICE NURSE OR DOCTOR IF:-

¨      the bite or sting is not relieved by antihistamines

¨      the area becomes inflamed and tender which may indicate an infection

¨      the sting is in the mouth (sucking ice will help reduce the swelling)

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Last modified: 15/09/2005