With South Africans gearing up to spend time outdoors at picnics, hikes and events, they might be exposed to insects that may bite or sting them. The information below provides symptoms, treatment and necessary tips to deal with the most common bites and stings:
Symptoms for bee and wasp stings include:
- Burning and itching which lasts a maximum of two hours
- Swelling which can last up to 24 hours and only subside in seven days
- Redness which lasts a maximum of three days
Treatment for bee, wasp and hornet stings includes:
- Remove stinger using tweezers
- For pain and itching, apply ice or cool compress for 20 minutes
- Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or an antihistamine can bring relief.
Some people may have severe allergic reactions which can be life threatening.
Symptoms for such cases include:
- Swelling of the tongue, throat and body
- Suddenly developing a hoarse voice
- Rash, often itchy hives and/or redness on the skin
- Feeling lightheaded or having fainting episodes
- Tight chest, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Abnormally fast heartbeat
- Clammy skin
- Confusion
- Vomiting or stomach pain.
Treatment for severe allergic reactions include:
- Administration of auto-injectable epinephrine (adrenaline) if it has previously been prescribed and is on hand, in the form of an EpiPen
- Lie the person down with their feet elevated
- Call an ambulance quickly.
Symptoms for Black button spider bites include:
- Immediate burning pain
- Intense muscular pain and cramps developing within an hour
- Anxiety, sweating and a general feeling of weakness
- Rigid muscles, a racing pulse, involuntary movement of the limbs and a flushed face.
Treatment for Black button spider bites:
- Take the victim to their doctor or the nearest emergency room; the relevant procedures and treatment will be done there.
Symptoms for cytotoxic spiders such as Sac and Violin spiders include:
- A red mark usually appears on the skin
- Pain lasts between 12 and 24 hours
- Blisters may develop
- Victims should seek medical attention.
What is important to note about scorpions is that scorpions with thick tails and slender pincers are more venomous than those with slender tails and large pincers.
Possible symptoms include:
- Immediate burning pain
- Surrounding muscles may feel stiff
- Muscular pain and weakness in the legs
- Low-grade fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Sweating, agitation and generalised muscle pain
- Restlessness and irritability
- Bite victim must immediately be taken to the emergency room so that antivenom can be administered.
If you’re unsure of what to do about a bite or sting, visit your closest emergency room or doctor or call the Poison Information Helpline 0861 555 777. Home remedies are best avoided unless recommended by your doctor.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
Video from ER24:
