Allergic Reaction After a Wasp, Bee or Hornet Sting: How to Help Your Child

Not every large area of redness is an allergy

Wasps, bees, hornets and bumblebees can cause pain, redness, swelling and itching at the site of the sting. This local reaction is common and does not in itself mean an allergy. Swelling may be more pronounced, especially if the child was stung on the hand, leg, face or near the eye, and it may persist for several days.

A bee may leave its stinger in the skin. Wasps, hornets and bumblebees usually do not, and they can sting repeatedly. There is no need to identify the insect at all costs – it is more important to calmly move the child away from the area where another sting could occur.

An allergic reaction can also appear away from the sting site and may affect the child’s breathing or general condition. If your child has previously experienced a severe reaction to insect venom, discuss a clear individual plan for the family and nursery with your paediatrician or allergist.

Continue to observe your child even after an ordinary sting. If the extent of the swelling, the pain or your child’s behaviour concerns you, contact your paediatrician. Extra caution is needed if the sting is in the mouth, throat or neck area, as swelling in these places can make breathing difficult.

Symptoms that require immediate action

A severe systemic allergic reaction can appear shortly after a sting, so do not leave your child unattended. Warning signs may include:

• severe, noisy or difficult breathing, wheezing, hoarseness or a feeling of a tight throat,
• swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat,
• hives, widespread itching or a rash away from the sting site,
• repeated vomiting, significant abdominal pain or sudden nausea,
• unusual weakness, lethargy, paleness, confusion, drowsiness or collapse.

If you suspect a severe allergic reaction, call 155 or 112. If a doctor has prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector and written emergency action plan for your child, follow that plan. An adrenaline auto-injector should be used immediately in a severe reaction according to the doctor’s instructions; even after using it, it is essential to call emergency services.

Do not let the child walk or run. Place them in a comfortable position and monitor their breathing and consciousness until help arrives. If they are vomiting or unconscious but breathing, place them on their side. Always follow the instructions of the emergency operator.

First aid for a usual local reaction

A calm parent helps the child greatly. Crying after a sting is often mainly due to the sudden pain and fear. Examine the area, comfort your child and keep the steps simple:

1. If you can see a bee stinger, remove it as soon as possible by gently scraping it out with, for example, the edge of a payment card or a fingernail. Do not squeeze the area unnecessarily.
2. Wash the area with soap and water, if possible.
3. Apply a cold compress wrapped in cloth. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
4. Observe your child for signs of a systemic reaction.
5. For pain, itching or more pronounced swelling, ask your paediatrician or pharmacist about the appropriate approach for your child’s age and health.

Do not give your child medication “just in case” or use home remedies whose safety you are unsure of. If your child has received several stings at once, was stung in the mouth or throat, or has swelling around the eye, contact a doctor even if typical allergy symptoms have not appeared yet.

The nursery must have clear information and parental consent

If your child has a confirmed allergy to hymenoptera venom or has already experienced a severe reaction, inform the nursery management and teachers before your child starts or immediately after the allergy is diagnosed. Verbal information at morning drop-off is not enough. Agree on a written procedure that substitute staff can also understand.

Together with the doctor and nursery, clarify who may store the emergency kit, where it will be available, who knows its contents and how staff will respond during trips, outdoor activities or time in the playground. Give the nursery up-to-date parent contact details and make clear that in the event of serious symptoms, staff must call 155 or 112 first rather than wait for a parent to arrive.

It is practical for the child’s kit to be labelled with their name and to accompany them during all activities outside the classroom. However, follow the specific nursery’s rules concerning the storage and administration of medicines. Staff training and written instructions from the doctor can make it much easier to make the right decision in a stressful situation.

What belongs in an emergency kit for an insect venom allergy

The doctor should always determine the contents of the kit individually. There is no single universal set suitable for every child. The most important thing is that the kit is complete, within its expiry date and that staff know where to find it.

• A written action plan from the doctor with a clear description of symptoms and first-aid steps.
• An adrenaline auto-injector or auto-injectors, if prescribed for the child, including checks of the expiry date and proper storage.
• Medicines prescribed by the doctor, such as an allergy medicine, in exactly the dose and form intended for the child.
• Contact details for the parents, paediatrician or allergist, and emergency numbers 155 and 112.
• Information about the child: name, date of birth, known allergies and brief instructions for an emergency.

Regularly, for example before the summer season, check the medicines’ expiry dates and update the contact details. If your child has not had an allergic reaction so far but experienced unusually severe or systemic symptoms after a sting, arrange a consultation with your paediatrician. A shared plan can give you greater confidence whenever your child is outdoors.