If a sting is still visible in the wound, you should remove it as soon as possible. You can pluck it out with tweezers, or scrape it out with a fingernail or something blunt like a piece of plastic. Don't try to grab the sting between your fingers, as this can cause the venom sac to squeeze its contents into your skin.
Insect bites and stings can be painful. You can relieve the pain by applying a cold compress (a cloth soaked in iced water), or a cream or gel containing a local anaesthetic such as benzocaine, which is contained in products like Lanacane and Waspeze. A cream or ointment containing hydrocortisone can help reduce swelling. Sucking ice or sipping cold water can help reduce swelling in the mouth or throat.
Antihistamine tablets can also be useful if you get a lot of bites and stings, as they can relieve the itchiness and swelling. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, so it's important to read the patient information leaflet before taking the medicine. Don't drive or operate machinery if the medicine is making you feel drowsy.
A sting is usually very painful and causes swelling, but it's not normally dangerous unless you are allergic to the venom.
Urgent medical attention is needed for anyone who:
- shows signs of having a severe allergic reaction (see Anaphylaxis below)
- has been stung by several insects at the same time
- has been stung in the mouth or throat, where the swelling can interfere with breathing
