title: Stings and bites. Tips on coexisting comfortably with the insects.
abstract: Many stings and bites can be prevented if an individual has some knowledge of insect behavior. However, persons known to be allergic to insect stings should carry an epinephrine injection kit to use as a first aid measure. Those who travel far from medical facilities should additionally carry prednisone and oral antihistamines. The bite of a brown recluse spider may cause a minor reaction or it may evolve into extensive soft-tissue necrosis with a potentially fatal outcome. If necrosis occurs, a course of oral dapsone is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Park Nicollet Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55416.
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Holmes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001516:Bees; D003622:Dapsone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006927:Hymenoptera; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007302:Insect Repellents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001098:Spider Bites / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014863:Wasps
chemical_list: D007302:Insect Repellents; D003622:Dapsone; D011241:Prednisone; D004837:Epinephrine