Seek emergency care if you suddenly faint, have difficulty breathing, or develop swelling of the face or mouth. Those who have had a severe allergic reaction to a bee, wasp or hornet sting in the past should seek emergency medical care immediately after a sting.

General treatment for bee, wasp, and hornet stings includes:

• Remove the stinger from the skin:
• Avoid pushing on the stinger, because this forces venom into the skin.
• Gently scrape the skin with a butter knife or fingernail.
• Apply a cold compress:
• Apply for 20 minutes
• Clean the area with mild soap.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment.
• For stings to the limbs, elevate the area above your heart.
• Take oral antihistamines for hives.
• Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream for itching.
• Acetaminophen for pain
• Ibuprofen for pain

A tetanus shot is necessary right away if you have not had three tetanus shots in the past. Those who have received three tetanus shots in the past need a tetanus shot within three days if they have not had a tetanus shot in the past five years.

For more information:

• Allergic reactions treatment
• Anaphylaxis treatment