Insect Sting Allergy

The most common type of insect sting come from honeybees or yellow jackets (ground hornets). Other stinging insects include wasps, hornets and fire ants. In the U.S., yellow jacket stings trigger the most allergic reactions.

Minor skin reactions to an insect sting include:

• Hives
• Itching
• Minor bleeding
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth

In most non-allergic stings, these symptoms are localized near the site of the sting. However, if symptoms affect the whole body, it could be the sign of a serious, life-threating allergic reaction. Signs include:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Hives on parts of the body not near the sting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Tightness in the throat or chest
• Trouble breathing, cough or wheezing

If a child experiences any of these after an insect sting, it is considered an emergency situation and medical attention should be sought.

Treating Insect Stings and Allergic Reactions

Follow these steps if your child gets an insect bit but does not appear to have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

• Remove stinger if present by gently scraping area with a blunt-edged object (do not pull or squeeze).
• Clean area with soap and water.
• Use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling (if using ice, wrap in a cloth or towel before applying to skin).
• If a sting occurs on arm or leg, elevating the limb can reduce swelling.
• Monitor your child for signs of a serious allergic reaction.

A non-allergic sting can be treated using:

• Icing the affected area
• Corticosteroid cream
• Acetaminophen
• Over-the-counter oral antihistamine medication

If Your Child Is Diagnosed With an Insect Sting Allergy

If your child has a known or suspected insect venom allergy, you should seek care with an allergist-immunologist for further evaluation. If an allergy is present, your child’s provider may prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector or rescue epinephrine device (such as EpiPen), which needs to be near your child at all times. Make sure your child’s caregivers and school know where the device is located and how to properly administer it. When your child is old enough, they should be taught how to use the device as well. Consider having your child wear an emergency medical alert bracelet that will inform emergency responders about the allergy so they can properly treat it if necessary.