Insect bites and stings Health Article

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Illustrations
Stinger removal
To remove a stinger, scrape the back of a knife or other straight-edged object across the stinger. Do not use tweezers since it may squeeze the venom sac and increase the amount of venom released into the wound. Next wash the site thoroughly with soap and water. Place ice wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. If needed an antihistamine can be applied to help reduce the itching. Over the next several days the stinger site should be watched for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pain. Update Date:
02/19/2008
John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Bedbug - close-up

Black widow spider

Body louse

Flea

Fly

Kissing bug

Dust mite

Mosquito, adult feeding on the skin

Wasp

Flea bite - close-up

Insect bite reaction - close-up

Insect bites on the legs

Head louse, male

Head louse - female

Head louse infestation - scalp

Lice, body with stool (Pediculus humanus)

Body louse, female and larvae

Crab louse, female

Pubic louse-male

Head louse and pubic louse

Brown recluse spider bite on the hand

Insect bites and stings

Insect stings and allergy

Brown recluse spider

Black widow spider

Stinger removal

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