Stings and insect bites will usually heal on their own. To relieve pain, itching, and swelling, apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes per hour for 6 hours. Elevate the area and use over-the-counter antihistamines, anesthetics, or hydrocortisone cream. Wash the area twice daily with soap and water, apply rubbing alcohol or antiseptic, and cover with a bandage. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.

1. WHAT ARE STINGS
AND INSECT
BITES?

2. STINGS AND INSECT BITES
• Most bites and stings will heal on their own without a visit to a doctor. There
are several things you can do to relieve pain and itching and prevent infection
from a bite or sting.
• The treatment:
• A. RELIEVE PAIN, ITCHING, AND SWELLING
• 1. Apply an ice pack to a bite or sting for 15 to 20 minutes once an hour
for the first 6 hours. When not using ice, keep a cool, wet cloth on the bite or
sting for up to 6 hours. Always keep a cloth between your skin and the
ice pack. Do not apply ice for longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Do not
fall asleep with the ice on your skin.
• 2. Elevate the area of the bite or sting to decrease swelling.

3. STINGS AND INSECT BITES
• 3. Try a nonprescription medicine for the relief of itching, redness, and swelling. Be sure
to follow the nonprescription medicine precautions.
• A. An antihistamine taken by mouth, such as Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton, may
help relieve itching, redness, and swelling. Don't give antihistamines to your child
unless you've checked with the doctor first.
• B. A spray of local anesthetic containing benzocaine, such as Solarcaine, may help
relieve pain. If your skin reacts to the spray, stop using it.
• C. Hydrocortisone 1% cream or calamine lotion applied to the skin may help
relieve itching and redness. Note: Do not use the cream on children younger than
age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use in the rectal or vaginal area in
children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to.

4. STINGS AND INSECT BITES
• 4. After the first 6 hours, if swelling is not present, try applying warmth to
the site for comfort. After the first 6 hours, if swelling is not present, try
applying warmth to the site for comfort.

5. STINGS AND INSECT BITES
• B. PREVENT A SKIN INFECTION
• 1. Wash the area with clean water 2 times a day.
• 2. After washing, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol or first-aid
antiseptic.
• 3. Trim fingernails to prevent scratching, which can lead to infection.
• 4. Do not break any blisters that develop.
• 5. You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as
Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the
bandage as needed.
• For home treatment of lice, scabies, tick bites, bedbugs, or kissing bugs, see the
topics Lice, Scabies, Tick Bites, Bedbugs, and Kissing Bugs.

6. STINGS AND INSECT BITES
• C. SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR DURING HOME TREATMENT
• Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:
• 1. New symptoms develop.
• 2. Symptoms of a skin infection develop.
• 3. Flu-like symptoms develop.
• 4. Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.