Bites and Stings:

Killer bees are hard to come by in the UK. Most insect bites and stings will be painful but not serious even in children. Being stung on the tongue or throat can cause difficulty in breathing and people who are allergic to stings are also at risk. Otherwise there are simple commonsense treatments which don't need the attention of your doctor.

Self-help:

Most bites and stings will respond well to an antihistamine cream.

Wasp stings may be helped by vinegar.

Remove bee stings with a pair of tweezers right at the base to avoid squeezing the poison sac at the end.

Ticks such as sheep ticks are best not removed by touching with a cigarette. Use a smear of Vaseline or butter. This blocks its breathing and it will drop off in a while. Simply pulling it or burning can leave the head in the skin, leading to infection

See your doctor if:

The sting cannot be removed.

There is any infection around the sting site.

There is a fever later on.

You have a known allergy to bites and stings.

There is shortness of breath

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.