Bites and Stings from Insects
This page will help you prepare for and respond to insect bites and stings with appropriate first aid.
When Do Insect Bites and Stings Occur?
Most insect bites and stings are not dangerous and improve within hours or days, except for certain types or when some bites become infected.
- You may be exposed to insects such as:
- Mosquitoes
- Scorpions
- Wasps
- Bees
- Spiders
- Bedbugs
- Fleas
- Ticks
Being in environments where insects are abundant
- What Are the Symptoms of Insect Bites and Stings?
- Redness and swelling
- Pain
- Irritation and itching
- Bruises
- Blisters
- Moderate allergic reactions, especially over large areas of the skin.
- Severe allergic reactions may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
Swelling of the face or mouth
These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
- How Do You Handle Insect Bites and Stings?
- Remove the insect if it is still attached to the skin. Avoid squeezing it, and do not use tweezers unless properly instructed, as this can cause venom to spread.
- Wear protective clothing to prevent further bites.
- Wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Apply cold compresses to the swollen area for 10 minutes.
- Raise the affected area to reduce swelling.
Avoid scratching the affected area.
- Avoid applying vinegar or baking soda to the affected area.
- Contact emergency services if:
- If the injury to your eye or mouth
- You have wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- There is swelling of the face or throat.
- You have a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- You’re feeling dizzy.
- You have difficulty swallowing.
- You feel extremely tired or fatigued.
- You lose consciousness .
The affected area shows swelling or redness larger than 10 cm.
Fever is present with signs of wound infection.
Emergency Numbers in Gulf Countries:
– Sultanate of Oman: 9999
– Saudi Arabia: 997
– Kuwait: 112
– Qatar: 999
– UAE: 998
