Insect Stings: How to Remove the Stinger

Topic Overview

It is important to remove the stinger as quickly as possible after a sting. Even a delay of a second or two in removing the stinger is likely to increase the amount of venom you receive. In less than 20 seconds after a sting, 90% of the venom is injected into your body.

To quickly remove the stinger:

  • Flick the stinger out with your finger.
  • Scrape it out with something that is a immediately available, like a stiff piece of paper, butter knife, or credit card. Don't waste time trying to find something special.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine

Current as ofNovember 20, 2017