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| Fig. 34.1 A, Bee sting on the thumb of a young child demonstrating painful, indurated erythema. B, Stinger that was removed from the thumb by scraping laterally with a index card. (Courtesy of the Fitzsimons Army Medical teaching files.) |
The best treatment for stings is prevention. Exposure to areas of wildflowers, dandelions, or clover fields should be avoided. Always wear shoes. Brightly colored clothing, flowery designs, and the use of colognes, perfumes, and scented soaps should be minimized. When confronted by agitated bees or wasps, avoid rapid movements and either stand still or withdraw very slowly to prevent further aggravation.
The venom-containing barbed stinger, if still present at the site of the sting, should be removed by gently scraping the skin horizontally with a dull knife or credit card (Fig. 34-1). Stinger removal with forceps compresses the venom gland, forcing more venom into the skin, and should be avoided. Symptomatic care with rest, elevation, and ice to the area are helpful. Antihistamines may also be useful. Early signs of systemic toxicity or allergic reactions should be noted.
