Stinger removal

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: 11/2/2023
Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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