Allergies to Insect Stings

Topic Overview

What are allergies to insect stings?

When you are stung by an insect, poisons and other toxins enter your skin. It is normal to have some swelling, redness, pain, and itching around the sting. But you may have an allergic reaction if your immune system reacts strongly to allergens in the sting.

You probably will not have a severe allergic reaction the first time you are stung. But even if your first reaction to a sting is mild, allergic reactions can get worse with each sting. Your next reaction may be more severe or even deadly.

What causes an allergic reaction to insect stings?

An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system reacts strongly to the allergens in the sting.

A few types of stinging insects cause most allergic reactions. They are:

• Bees.
• Wasps.
• Hornets.
• Yellow jackets.
• Fire ants.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild to severe. Mild allergic reactions cause:

• Redness and swelling around the sting.
• Mild tenderness and itching around the sting.
• Tiredness.
• Nausea.
• A low fever.

A more serious allergic reaction can spread to your whole body. This kind of reaction can cause:

• Itching anywhere on your body.
• Hives.
• Swelling of your tongue, throat, or other body parts.

A deadly allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis (say “ann-uh-fuh-LAK-suss”), can cause:

• Confusion.
• Trouble breathing.
• Shock.
• Death, in some cases.

How are allergies to insect stings diagnosed?

Your doctor may do a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms and past health. He or she also may want you to have allergy tests after you get better from the allergic reaction. These tests will help you find out which types of insect stings you are most allergic to.

How are they treated?

Treatment for insect sting allergies depends on how bad your reaction is. Most of the time, you can treat mild allergic reactions with home care. Try cold packs and medicines for pain, swelling, and itching. Most people don't need epinephrine or allergy shots for these mild allergic reactions.

A severe reaction (anaphylaxis) can be deadly and needs emergency care.

If you have severe reactions, you should carry an allergy kit. It includes antihistamine pills and an epinephrine shot, such as an EpiPen. You may also want to try allergy shots, called immunotherapy, to help prevent worse allergic reactions in the future.

How can you prevent insect stings?

To reduce your chances of being stung:

• Stay away from places where insects nest.
• Wear shoes, long sleeves, and long pants when you are outdoors.
• Don't wear perfume or scented lotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about allergies to insect stings:	What are allergies to insect stings? What causes them? What are the symptoms? Who is affected by allergies to insect stings? Which stinging insects can cause allergies?
Being diagnosed:	How are allergies to insect stings diagnosed? What are allergy tests?
Getting treatment:	How are allergies to insect stings treated? How do I give an epinephrine injection? How do I give my child an epinephrine injection?
Ongoing concerns:	Should I have allergy shots (immunotherapy)? How can I prevent future stings?

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Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: January 22, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
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