On good summer days, many of us like to take long walks in nature. However, this comes with the possibility of running into annoying insects, such as bees and . These insects rarely bite if left undisturbed. However, it is always possible to accidentally run into swarms or nests of insects and get stung. In the case of bees and wasps, only the females can sting. The stinger is a modified egg-laying apparatus. When stinging, the stingers release a poison (melittin) that causes pain. Here’s what to do if you’re stung by a bee or wasp on a summer hike.
Bee and wasp venom
Bee venom contains a number of substances, such as histamine, dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Melittin stimulates the endings of nerve receptors in the skin and is the cause of pain after the bite. Apamin, a peptide, is the main neurotoxin in bees. It is permeable to the blood-brain barrier and therefore has direct effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Bradykinin-related peptides can block communication between neurons and can induce smooth muscle contraction in mammals.
Some tips to avoid bites
Bees and bees may be attracted to or react to odors in the environment. It’s best not to wear perfume, cologne, or scented soaps when you’re out and about. Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing that attracts insects. Even when bathing in swimming pools, watch out for bees or wasps that get trapped on the surface of the water so they don’t sting you.
This is what to do if you are stung by a bee or wasp
When a wasp stings you, your body responds to the sting by releasing fluid from your blood to flush the venom components from the area. This causes redness and swelling at the bite site. If it is not the first time that the person has been bitten by that species of insect, it is likely that the immune system recognizes the poison and improves the elimination process. This can cause very noticeable swelling around the bite site or over an entire part of the body.
Taking oral or topical antihistamines can prevent or reduce itching and swelling. Be careful not to rub or scratch the bite site, as microbes from the skin’s surface can get into the wound and cause an infection. Quickly removing the insect bite helps prevent more extensive inflammation. Only a very small proportion of the population, one to two people per 1,000, is allergic or hypersensitive to bee or wasp stings. Life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, dizziness, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, and obstruction of the larynx, require immediate medical attention.