Insect Sting Allergies

Venom is the substance injected into the skin during an insect bite or sting.

If you or your child has had a serious reaction to an insect sting in the past, then testing for an allergy to venom is necessary. Allergy testing is performed for five stinging insects: the white-faced hornet, yellow hornet, yellow jacket, honey bee and wasp.

When most people are stung by an insect, the site of the sting develops redness, swelling and itching. However, when people are allergic to insect stings, their immune system overreacts to the venom by producing allergic antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This triggers the release of substances including histamine that then cause an allergic reaction.

For some people, especially adults, stings may be life threatening and can result in anaphylaxis. The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include itching and hives, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea or diarrhea.

The most effective way to prevent stings is to stay away from stinging insects. These insects are most likely to sting if their homes are disturbed. It is worthwhile to have nests around your home destroyed.

Here are a few tips for avoiding insect stings:

• If flying stinging insects are close to you, remain calm and move slowly away.
• Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing and perfume when outdoors.
• The smell of food attracts insects, so be careful when cooking, eating or drinking sweet drinks.
• Keep food covered until eaten.
• Wear closed-toe shoes outdoors.
• Avoid loose-fitting garments that can trap insects between clothing and skin.

If the insect left its stinger in your skin, remove the stinger within 30 seconds to avoid receiving more venom. The stinger and its sac may be removed with a quick scrape of your fingernail.

To treat local reactions to insect stings:

• Raise the affected limb and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
• Gently clean the area with soap and water to prevent secondary infections.
• Use topical steroid ointments or oral antihistamines to relieve itching.

To treat severe reactions to insect stings:

• Learn how and when to self-administer epinephrine. An auto-injectable epinephrine pen can be prescribed by your allergist.
• Always carry an epinephrine pen.
• Remember that epinephrine is a rescue medication only, and that you must still have someone take you to the emergency room immediately if you are stung.
• Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet that identifies you as allergic to venom.
• In most cases, insect venom allergy shots (or immunotherapy) are almost 100% effective in preventing severe reactions. Your allergist will discuss the best form of treatment after appropriate testing has been performed.