Are You Allergic to Stinging Insects? There Are Many Aspects of Total Treatment

Certain insects are more than annoying when they bite or sting a person – they can inject venom under the skin. When a person has an allergy to stinging insects, this venom can be a life-threatening issue. At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group we are here to help you through every step of dealing with this type of allergy. Read on to learn more and then reach out to us at 805-658-9500 to schedule an appointment.

The first step is to get tested

If you have reason to believe that you may have a bee sting allergy then your first step is to get tested. If you have ever had any type of strong reaction to a bug bite or sting, then you should contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group for allergy testing. While most people are aware of the potential hazards of bee stings, fewer know that there are actually five stinting insects that can cause allergic reactions:

1. Honey bees
2. Wasps
3. White-faced hornets
4. Yellow hornets
5. Yellow jackets

During your testing, we can determine exactly what you’re allergic to.

Prevention is part of the treatment

There are things to do if you are stung by an insect you are allergic to, but the best option is to avoid being bitten in the first place. There are a few steps you can take to do that. First, try to avoid disturbing the home of an insect. If you do see a bug, stay calm and walk slowly away. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors, don’t wear bright colors and avoid perfumes. Remember that insects are often attracted to the aromas of sweet drinks and other foods. As a result, keep your food covered.

Don’t wear sandals or open-toed shoes as insects can be hiding in the grass. They can also get trapped within your clothing so avoid wearing clothes that fit loosely.

Treatment options for minor or moderate reactions to insect stings

If you are allergic to an insect and you are stung by it, the first thing to do is to get the stinger out of your skin. If you get it out within 30 seconds of being stung, you can prevent additional venom from getting into your blood stream. Getting rid of it may be as simple as scraping it with your fingernail. Then raise the limb that has been stung and apply cold compresses to get rid of any swelling.

You can use soap and water to gently clean the area and try antihistamines or topical steroids to prevent itching.

If you have a severe reaction then you should get to the emergency room right away. This can be prevented by talking to your allergist about epi pens and other options to help prevent severe reactions. When you visit Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group for your appointment, we can go over all the options available to you. Reach out at 805-658-9500 to get your appointment scheduled.