To remove a stinger, scrape the back of a knife or other
straight-edged object across the stinger. Do not use tweezers since
it may squeeze the venom sac and increase the amount of venom
released into the wound. Next wash the site thoroughly with soap
and water. Place ice wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable
covering on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for
10 minutes. If needed an antihistamine can be applied to help
reduce the itching. Over the next several days the stinger site
should be watched for signs of infection, such as increased
redness, swelling, or pain.
Review Date: 01/13/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason
Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve,
MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
