Self care advice
Self care advice
Self care advice can include the following:
- If stinger is visible in skin (from honeybee) remove as soon as possible by scraping sideways with fingernail or a credit card
- If a tick is visible remove as soon as possible using a tick remover or suitable tweezers; pull up gently but firmly perpendicular to skin. Avoid squeezing or leaving mouth parts in the skin
- Oral analgesics – paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken for pain
- Oral antihistamines (e.g. chlorphenamine (sedating)) or topical corticosteroids (e.g. hydrocortisone 1% cream or ointment) may help reduce itching and reduce the temptation to scratch and further damage skin
- Topical treatments such as antihistamines and local anaesthetics should be avoided as they can cause allergic skin reactions.