Buzzing trouble

We see them in our daily activities—stooping into a flower, sometimes just buzzing about, other times doing a gentle hit-and-run past your foot, or charging in swarms.

Bees and wasps can cause pretty painful and serious stings. The stings are irritating and painful but one sting is rarely fatal unless you are allergic to its venom. Bees are less likely to sting. Wasps are the most aggressive and may sting at the slightest provocation.

In the event that an accident happens and a bee has stung your little one, these simple home remedies should relieve him/her.

Remedies

Remove the stinger promptly using sharp fingernails, tweezers or a knife.

Wash the wound with soap and water and then reduce the swelling by bathing the area in cold water. You can also cover it with a cold cloth. Never hold ice directly on the skin as it may stick causing more pain.

To relieve itching, apply an anti-histamine cream for bites and stings or give him oral anti-histamine syrup, as prescribed by a doctor. If the itching is severe, consult your pharmacist about other methods of treatment or see the doctor.

8 sting precautions

» Take the following precautions to keep yourself and your children from getting stung when outdoors:

» Look out for bees before sitting, lying or resting,

» Avoid leaving sweet drinks and foods uncovered as they attract bees and wasps.

» Use insect repellent sprays on exposed skin, insect resistant products like Mosquito Coil, or candles to keep off the insects.

» Avoid wearing bright colours and strong scents such as perfumes and deodorants as these attract insects.

» Wear gloves if you are picking fallen fruit from the ground.

» Avoid areas where wasps cluster such as hedges.

» Wear long sleeved shirts or blouses, trousers, footwear or hats to reduce exposed skin.

» It is best to let a buzzing bee be, as opposed to trying to shoo it away or whack it off. Shooing it away may just agitate it; and it may call in the reinforcements!

Five symptoms of an allergic reaction
Children with moderate allergies to stings may experience general swelling around the wound. If the swelling is severe or persistent, consult your doctor. Call an ambulance immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms within 30 minutes of a sting:

» Nausea or stomach cramps
» Fainting, dizziness or headaches
» Wheezing, choking or an inability to catch breath
» Swelling around the throat, mouth or tongue that could constrict breathing
» Any chest pains

END:BL30/05