Most of us develop pain, redness, and swelling at the site of an insect bite. Yet people who are allergic to stinging insect venom are at risk of serious allergic reactions, some life-threatening. You should always look for the best bee sting treatment when you find yourself in such a situation.

Understanding the difference between symptoms of a normal reaction vs an allergic reaction can bring peace of mind. It is also important to have an accurate diagnosis so you can manage your condition and be prepared for an emergency.

What to do for a bee sting? In a stinging insect allergy, the allergen is venom from a sting. The most serious reactions are caused by five types of insects:

• Yellowjackets — Their nests are usually located underground but sometimes found in the walls of buildings, cracks in masonry, or in woodpiles.
• Honeybees — They can be found in honeycombs in trees, old tires, or other partially protected sites.
• Paper wasps — They live in a circular comb under eaves, behind shutters, or in shrubs and woodpiles.
• Hornets — Their nests are gray or brown and are usually found in trees.
• Fire ants — Reddish-brown ants living in large mounds, mostly in warmer climates. They attack with little warning, inserting highly concentrated toxins that cause burning and pain.

Allergy testing in the form of skin testing and blood testing is available for these stinging insects.

Bee Sting Remedy

If you have severe insect sting allergies, you should wear a medical alert bracelet and carry an epinephrine autoinjector at least from March through November. You are typically safe during the winter months when the ground is frozen.

If you are found to be allergic to bee venom we may discuss allergy shots to pure bee venom. This type of immunotherapy has a success rate of about 98 percent.