Insect Stings and Bites

Abstract

Insect bites and stings may cause local infections or severe reactions or give rise to systemic reactions which may prove fatal in highly susceptible persons. Stings of honeybees and fire ants are of more clinical importance than those of other insects because of the severe allergic phenomena which they sometimes produce.

Treatment of most bites and stings is directed toward controlling itching and preventing secondary infections. Antibiotics and steroids are used in severe infections. Allergic patients stung by hymenopterous insects must be treated immediately.