Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for an insect bite or sting. When an insect bites you, it uses its mouth parts. When an insect stings you, it uses a special "stinger" on the back of its body.
●Biting insects, like mosquitoes and ticks, can transfer blood from other people and animals they've bitten on to you. Some diseases and infections can be spread this way.
●Stinging insects, like bees, wasps, and fire ants, do not usually carry disease. But stinging insects can inject you with "venom." This can irritate your skin. Plus, a sting can be deadly to people who are severely allergic to the insect venom.
You can care for the bite or sting at home. How long it will take to heal depends on how serious the bite or sting is and how your body reacts to it.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Keep the area clean. Do not scratch it.
●Put a cold, damp washcloth on the area to help with swelling and itching.
●Follow the doctor's instructions if you were prescribed a cream or ointment to help with itching. Otherwise, you can use an over-the-counter cream or ointment such as hydrocortisone.
●Take non-prescription medicines to help with pain and swelling, if needed. Examples include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Take non-prescription medicines to help with itching, if needed, such as cetirizine (sample brand name: Zyrtec).
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have trouble breathing, become hoarse, or start wheezing (hearing a whistling sound when you breathe)
•Start to swell in part of your body where you were not stung or bitten, especially around the face, tongue, or mouth
•Feel dizzy or pass out
●Return to the ED if:
•You have belly cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
•You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
•After 2 to 3 days, the area is becoming more swollen, red, warm, or painful.
•The area has thick yellow or green drainage.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Insect bites and stings (The Basics)
Patient education: Allergy to insect stings (The Basics)
Patient education: Bee and insect stings (Beyond the Basics)
