Remove the stinger
Using a scraping motion - with a credit card, the back of a knife or even your finger nail - gently remove the stinger. Try not to squeeze the venom sac attached to it because that would release more venom. |
Ice the pain
An ice compress applied to the sting relieves pain and swelling almost immediately. Use once every 2 hours during the first day you've been stung. Ice also stops the spread of venom. |
Raise your leg
If you are stung on your leg, elevate the leg for about 30 minutes after you have removed the stinger. |
Apply gentle heat
If you're still swollen after the first day of ice treatment try placing a warm compress or heating pad on the sting as often as possible for one day. |
Take aspirin or ibuprofen
Start with two aspirin or one ibuprofen tablet every 4 hours and continue as needed, always following the directions on the bottle. |
Antihistamines
If you have itching near the sting an oral antihistamine taken every 4 to 6 hours can help ease the discomfort. |
Apply calamine
Apply calamine as needed to quickly help soothe the affected area. |
|