First aid for an insect bite:
Insect bites can carry disease or other harmful illnesses and often cause
allergic reactions. The signs and
symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: swelling, pain, redness, swelling of
the throat area, itching, hives, and even difficulty in breathing. First aid for these kinds
of symptoms is to be alert for any indicators, and seek medical attention
immediately. In the case of a bee, wasp, hornet, or any other insect with a
stinger, first check the injured area for the part of stinger that may have
been left behind. In order to remove the excess stinger, use tweezers, or even scrape
the surface of the wound with a credit card. (Be careful not to squeeze the
wound which could insert even more venom into the skin.) After the removal
of the stinger, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. The use of a cold compress
may help relieve pain and swelling. Always remember that the stung
area should be kept lower than the heart to slow the circulation of the venom.