Bites and stings

Bee, wasp, and other insect stings

1. Remove a stinger left in the skin as soon as you can, by scraping it out with a fingernail or card or plucking it out.
2. Wash the area with soap and water.
3. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
4. Ease itching with hydrocortisone cream or an over-the-counter antihistamine. Follow the package directions.
5. Watch for an allergic reaction for the next hour. See the allergic reactions guide.

Ticks

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as you can.
2. Pull straight up with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk. If mouthparts break off and you can’t remove them easily, leave them and let the skin heal.
3. Clean the bite and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Get rid of the tick by putting it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag or tape, or flushing it.
5. Watch for symptoms like fever, rash, or body aches for the next several weeks.

Don’t use nail polish, petroleum jelly, or heat to make the tick let go. Remove it as soon as possible instead.

Dog, cat, and other animal bites

1. Stop any bleeding by pressing with a clean cloth.
2. Wash the wound well with soap and running water for several minutes.
3. Apply antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage.
4. Find out about the animal. If it is a pet, ask whether its rabies shots are up to date. Report bites from strays or wild animals to animal control or your local health department.

About rabies: Rabies is rare in people in the U.S. but almost always deadly once symptoms start. Shots given soon after exposure prevent it. Bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are the most common carriers. Get medical advice right away after any bite from a wild or unknown animal, or any contact with a bat.

Snakebites

1. Call 911 for any bite from a venomous or possibly venomous snake. Treat any unknown snakebite as dangerous.
2. Move away from the snake. Don’t try to catch or kill it. A photo from a safe distance can help.
3. Stay still and calm. Keep the bitten arm or leg still, at about heart level.
4. Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing before swelling starts.
5. Clean the bite with soap and water if you can, and cover it loosely with a clean, dry bandage.

Avoid: Don’t use a tourniquet, ice, or a tight wrap. Don’t cut the bite or try to suck out the venom. Don’t use electric shock. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine. Don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, which can raise the risk of bleeding.