Insect stings and bites: management and allergy prevention

As summer increases the frequency of outdoor activities, there is a rising risk of encounters with insects such as bees, wasps, and hornets. Professor Luisa Brussino, director of Immunology and Allergology at the Azienda Ospedaliera Ordine Mauriziano in Turin, advises on managing these encounters.

Local reactions to stings typically include pain, redness, itching, and swelling. Unlike wasps, bees may leave a stinger in the skin, which should be removed quickly to prevent further irritation. Immediate care includes washing the area with soap and water and applying a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Severe allergic reactions are a significant concern. Warning signs include difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. For managing common insect bites like mosquitoes, thermal devices such as the Beurer BiteX Max are available, which use heat to target itching and swelling without chemical substances.