Hornets, wasps, bees... What to do if stung?

They're among the summer's guests. Hornets, wasps, and bees sometimes come to ruin picnics and outdoor outings. What should you do if you're stung?

To begin, it's important to identify the species involved. If it's a bee, it's bound to have left its stinger in the skin, since it only stings once. It's then recommended to remove the stinger in question.

But be careful not to use tweezers to do this. "The venom gland is at the end, so if you grab (the stinger) with tweezers, you'll inject even more venom," explains Aurel Guedj, an emergency physician and health consultant on BFMTV. He advises using "a card" to "rub" the sting site.

Then, it is advisable to remove your rings if you have been stung on the hand and to disinfect the area with soap and water, before using an antiseptic solution, reports the Health Insurance on its website .

Next, keep the sting site cold with an ice pack or ice cubes placed in a cloth. If you feel itchy, you can take an antihistamine. It is possible to obtain these without a prescription at the pharmacy, as are antihistamine or corticosteroid ointments.

Health insurance also recommends checking that you are up to date with your tetanus vaccination. This disease, which is serious and potentially fatal, can be contracted after an animal bite.

Also, stay calm, without engaging in physical activity, for at least 30 minutes, while waiting for the symptoms to gradually calm down.

Regarding venom extractors, their effectiveness "has not been clearly demonstrated," says Aurel Guedj.

The emergency physician reminds us that having a local skin reaction after a bite is normal. The skin becomes red and there is an itchy sensation.

Be careful, however, if you get stung multiple times. "The venom builds up," notes Aurel Guedj. "We consider that after 20 stings, there's a risk that an adult will go into toxic shock," warns our health consultant. Victims of this then experience nausea, vomiting, and even loss of consciousness. In this case, it's best to call the emergency services and dial 15.

In some cases, an insect bite doesn't just trigger a local, one-time skin reaction. Sometimes, the bite remains very swollen and painful after 24 hours. It can also cause hives or even affect organs, for example, causing digestive problems, vomiting, or even cardiovascular problems or drops in blood pressure. In these cases, it may be an allergic reaction and you should see a doctor.

If you know you suffer from this type of allergy, it's best to always carry an adrenaline pen with you to inject yourself in case of an attack. If you don't have one, it's recommended to call for help.

Is there a way to avoid these unpleasantness? For Aurel Guedj, grandmother's recipes remain the most effective for keeping wasps and bumblebees away. Our health consultant believes that it's best to choose close-fitting clothing to prevent a hornet from slipping into a sleeve, and that conversely, it's best to avoid brightly colored and floral outfits that attract insects. We also avoid walking barefoot or even in sandals in the grass, especially near a body of water where insects are plentiful.

Furthermore, it is best not to use perfume or deodorant, which also tend to attract wasps, and to stay away from beehives and fruit baskets. Also, be careful not to leave leftovers from lunch or snacks lying around; the slightest trace of sugar can attract a bee.

If an insect should ever invite itself near the dinner table, try to remain calm. Indeed, according to Aurel Guedj, insects generally bite "to defend themselves; it's a survival reaction for them."

Finally, if you see a nest, don't try to get rid of it yourself. Instead, call a specialist.