Stings
This time of year, flying insects are starting to buzz around everywhere. Anyone that knows me is aware that hornets and wasps are some of the ones that make my heart beat a little faster. I seem to be a magnet for stinging insects, fortunately I am not allergic to them.
Bees, hornets and wasps can cause painful and potentially serious (if your child is allergic) problems. They can also cause a lot of fear and anxiety.
Avoid wearing scented lotions or perfumes. Last spring a pro baseball game was cancelled after five innings due to swarming bees, apparently attracted to the Colorado Rockies pitcher’s coconut oil scented hair gel. Bright colors and food sources also attract these stinging pests.
Discourage bees and wasps from building nests around your house. Keep close watch around the outdoor areas where your children play and eat and as soon as you see the beginning of a nest, use an anti-wasp/bee/hornet spray.
If your child is stung, check to see if the stinger was left behind. If it was, remove the stinger by using a dull knife to scrape it away from the bite and to avoid squeezing additional venom into the wound. The area will probably become painful, red and swollen. Treat the pain and swelling with Tylenol or ibuprofen. Topical medications such as hydrocortisone can be used to treat the itch and a topical antibiotic can be used to prevent infection. If your child is having problems breathing after a sting, call 911 immediately.
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