MANAGING AND LIVING WITH

INSECT STING ALLERGY

Living in Australia means becoming all-too-familiar with bites and stings from various insects, but these common-place irritations can be life-threatening for people who are allergic to them.

Whether we have an allergy or not, insect stings and bites can be painful. Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between a typical bite reaction and an allergic reaction.

When you are stung, the insect punctures your skin and leaves behind saliva, faeces (poo) or venom. Some insects, like bees, will also leave behind the ‘sting’ itself. To remove a bee sting, gently brush over it with your fingernail – avoid using tweezers which can release more venom into the skin.

An insect bite will also leave a small puncture wound in the skin.

What are the symptoms of an insect sting or bite?

Different insect bites or stings show in different ways. Even people without allergies will generally show a reaction.

A normal reaction to an insect bite or sting will result in:

A strong burning feeling in site the of the sting

Inflammation and swelling

Redness

Pain which lasts an hour or less

A bump or blister

Itchiness, although generally not immediately

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A larger local reaction may result in swelling that extends beyond the sting site. For example, a sting on the elbow could result in the entire arm swelling. While it can be alarming, this is still considered a normal (non-allergic) reaction.

An allergic reaction can be mild or severe and typically involves symptoms including:

Vomiting and abdominal cramping

Hives and itchiness in areas that are not the sting site

Nausea or diarrhea

More serious symptoms including swelling in the throat, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, may indicate an anaphylactic reaction, which should be treated as a medical emergency.

What insects cause serious reactions?

Bees, Wasps and Fire Ants

The most common insect stings or bites that cause serious allergies in Australia (including anaphylaxis) are honeybees, wasps, Jack Jumper and fire ants.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are the most common form of insect bite, but allergic reactions are reasonably rare. If you fall ill after a mosquito bite, seek medical help as mosquitoes can carry serious diseases.

Ticks

Ticks can also cause allergic reactions, ranging from mild (with some swelling and inflammation) to a severe anaphylactic reaction.

Other

Other insects known to cause allergic reactions include centipedes, green ants, other ant species, scorpions and caterpillars.

While not known for causing allergic reactions, spiders can also cause reactions – often due to their venom. Depending on the spider, their bites can be life-threatening. Spiders are generally considered in three different groups by medical experts and treated accordingly:

Bites from big black spiders (for example, funnel web spiders) are treated as medical emergencies

Bites from redback spiders are treated as serious but not life-threatening

All other spiders bites are generally seen as not serious, unless they trigger an allergic reaction

How do I treat an insect bite or sting?

Treatment will generally fall into two stages: treating the allergic reaction as it happens, then working to prevent further allergic reactions.

If you have a severe allergic reaction to a bite or sting, you should seek emergency medical attention.

If you experience severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings, you should visit an allergy specialist for advice. An allergist may conduct several tests, including a skin-prick test and an intradermal skin test, to correctly diagnose your allergy.

In addition, the Allergist will prepare a plan for you to manage any future reactions, including consideration for carrying an Epi-Pen with you in case of anaphylaxis, or another course of medication may be recommended.

Allergen immunotherapy has been shown to have considerable impact in treating allergies to insect bites and stings. This course of treatment must be administered by an allergist and can significantly reduce the risk of future allergic reactions.

If you have a less serious response, you may be able to wait for the insect bite or sting to pass. Itchiness generally causes the most discomfort after any initial pain subsides. To reduce itchiness, consider:

Trying not to scratch the area

A cool bath or shower to reduce the itchiness

Loose fitting clothing

An ice pack wrapped in a tea towel or cloth

Antihistamines or other medications. Speak to a pharmacist for further advice and to make sure any medicines you take are suitable for you

You can reduce the risk of being bitten or stung by:

Avoiding wearing thongs, sandals or walking barefoot

Not drinking from open drink cans or bottles. The sweetness attracts wasps, which may hide inside

Trying to keep food covered while eating outdoors

Wearing proper protective clothing while working outdoors, or bush walking

Getting insect screens installed on your home and keeping them closed at all times

Driving with your car windows closed

If you’re looking for advice on diagnosing or treating an allergy to insect bites or stings, contact (07) 3348 7921 today. Our expert team are highly-experienced with all facets of the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, including to insect bites.