Disclaimer

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Guidance

An insect bite will leave a puncture wound in the skin.

The type of insect that you are bitten by can determine what type of reaction you will have.T

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a sting include:

– An intense burning feeling

– Redness around the sting site

– Pain which generally eases after an hour or so

– Swelling around the sting

Treatment

Removal of the insect or venom sack

Try not to scratch the area

Try a cool bath or shower to help soothe the itching

Wear loose cotton clothing, to help prevent overheating

Use an ice pack, not placed directly against the skin

Anaphylactic shock

Occasionally some people have a severe allergic reaction to being bitten or stung by an insect.

In cases of severe allergic reaction, the whole body can react within minutes to the bite or sting which can lead to anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is very serious and can be fatal.

Follow the persons treatment plan. This may include administering adrenaline to the person via an adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjector (such as EpiPen or Anapen) if one is available.

If the person becomes unconscious, follow the Basic Life Support Action Plan DRSABCD.