Many insects sting as a defence by injecting venom into your skin. A sting often causes a swollen, red mark to form on the skin. This can be itchy and painful, but is harmless in most cases.
The affected area will usually remain painful and itchy for a few days. The mark left on the skin after an insect sting is known as a weal.
Sting or bite?
In the UK, stinging insects include:
Some other insects bite, including as mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs and ticks. Read more about insect bites.
Allergic reactions to insect stings
Some people have an allergic reaction after a sting. This can cause symptoms that vary in severity, from pain and swelling to a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that will require immediate medical attention (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis after an insect sting is rare.
Read more about the symptoms of an insect sting.
When to seek medical help
Seek emergency treatment if you have any of the following symptoms immediately after being stung:
- swelling or itching anywhere else on your body
- a skin reaction anywhere else, particularly pale or flushed (red or blotchy) skin
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- a headache
- nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- a fast heart rate
- dizziness or feeling faint
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- confusion, anxiety or agitation
Call 999 and ask for an ambulance, because this type of reaction can be fatal.
Treating insect stings
If you are stung by a bee, it will leave its sting and a venomous sac in the wound. You should remove this immediately by scraping it out using something with a hard edge, such as a bank card.
Do not pinch the sting out with your fingers or tweezers because you may spread the venom.
To treat an insect sting, after you have removed the sting if you were stung by a bee:
- wash the affected area with soap and water
- put a cold flannel on the area
- raise the part of your body that has been stung to prevent swelling
- avoid scratching the area because it may become infected
If the sting is painful or swollen, you can also:
- place an ice pack on the area (try a bag of frozen peas or some ice wrapped in a towel)
- take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- use a spray or cream containing local anaesthetic, antihistamine or mild hydrocortisone (1%) (available at pharmacies) on the affected area to prevent itching
- take an antihistamine tablet (available on prescription or from pharmacies) to help reduce swelling
If the redness and itching get worse or do not clear up after a few days, see your GP.
Read more about treating insect stings.
Preventing insect stings
You can avoid being stung by an insect by:
- using insect repellent
- wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers outdoors
- not disturbing an insect’s nest
- avoiding areas where there are likely to be lots of insects, such as clusters of flowers and piles of wood
- moving away slowly without panicking if you encounter wasps, hornets or bees (do not wave your arms around or swat at them)
If you think you are allergic to insect stings, your GP will refer you to a specialist allergy clinic and may prescribe a syringe (called an auto-injector) loaded with adrenaline, including instructions on how to use it. Some people with allergies carry a card or wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace.
Read more about preventing insect stings.
