A sting
What are wasp and bee stings?
Although in Bulgaria you can be bitten and stung by many insects, the most likely to be stung by a wasp, hornet, bee, drone and wasp bring you quite serious health problems and even require you to seek medical help.
These insects are from the order Hymenoptera and therefore stings are sometimes called hymenoptera stings.
Many of these species live in colonies, and therefore if a person is bitten by one representative of this order, the probability of being bitten by others from the colony is quite high.
What are the symptoms of a sting?
The severity of a sting is determined by a number of factors such as where on the body the sting is, the number of stings, and whether the victim is allergic to the stings of a particular type of insect. Most people do not have allergies to bee and wasp stings.
Clinical symptoms are divided into two categories:
Skin reactions around the sting site:
- Redness, swelling and itching at the site of the sting may occur immediately after the sting.
- The local reaction may spread and cover a larger area of skin around the sting site within about 12-36 hours after the sting.
- Bacterial skin infection may also occur in the site of the sting, also 12-36 hours after the sting, although this is unusual and occurs in very rare cases.
Systemic reactions – appearance of symptoms in other parts of the body, which are far from the site of the sting:
- Hurticaria – itchy bumps on the skin and itching all over the body;
- Swelling of the mouth or throat;
- Wheezing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath;
- Nausea, vomiting and chest pain, weakness and fainting;
- In more serious cases, the victim may lose consciousness and even die.
Wasp and bee stings – treatment
In most cases, when the person stung is not allergic to stings, nothing more is needed than first aid at home.
- Avoid future stings by wearing thicker clothing when walking in areas where there are more bees and wasps – and use insect repellent.
- When stung by a bee, remove the stinger from the skin immediately, some doctors say this can be done with a credit or debit card that applies pressure to the skin where the stinger is. strong>
- You can apply ice to the site of the sting to provide temporary relief. Keep the ice on for no more than 20 minutes for every one hour. You should also place a cloth between the ice and the skin to protect it from frostbite.
- If you consider it necessary, you can also take painkillers to relieve the pain. >
- Wash the sting site thoroughly with soap and water
- If you have not had a tetanus vaccination in the last more than 10 years, it is fine in in the next few days after the sting, do it yourself.
- If you have been stung by wasps or bees before and have had an allergic reaction after the sting, seek medical help immediately after the sting. strong>
How to protect ourselves?
Prevention from insect stings is important not only for our comfort, but also for our health.
While there is no surefire way to guarantee that you will not be stung, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.
It is important to be informed about the insects that are specific to your area and season. For example, if you know that certain types of insects are more active at a certain time of year, you might be more careful when you’re outdoors.
Avoiding places where there are nests and hives of bees and wasps is key. Also, be careful around litter, food scraps and sweet liquids that can attract insects.
If you have a yard, regular lawn maintenance and grass clippings can reduce insects hiding and breeding there.
Investing in plants that don’t attract too many insects can also be beneficial.
Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts can create a barrier between your skin and insects. Avoid brightly colored clothes and prefer light and soft colors that are less attractive to insects.
Having insect repellents can be useful, especially when you are in places where you are more likely to encounter them. Follow the product instructions and apply carefully to the exposed areas of skin.
If an insect attacks you or approaches you, it is best to remain calm and move away slowly and without sudden movements. Fast and aggressive movements can make them more irritated and cause stinging.
It is recommended that you learn more about the insects in your area and how to recognize aggressive behavior.
Knowledge of first aid for a sting is also important, including how to remove a stinger and how to relieve symptoms.
In short, preventing insect stings requires attention, awareness, and taking appropriate measures to provide a safe environment for yourself.
Regardless, experiencing nature and the outdoors can be extremely rewarding, and with the right precautions, risks can be minimized.
Stings from wasps and bees can be extremely unpleasant, especially if you are allergic and act carelessly towards insects.
In the event that you come across a nest near your home, it is best to consult with specialist beekeepers who know how to remove the nest in question without any risk to you and your health. as well as for the health of your loved ones.
