Skin reaction after a sting
Most often after a sting, there is a more or less strong pain according to the nature of the aggressor and the quantity of venom injected. The skin becomes red and hardens. Swelling is a response from the body to the aggression in order to clinically neutralize it.
The histaminic reaction appears as a rash, generally followed by swelling and accompanied by a more or less intense itching.
Allergic consequences are sometimes serious
In the case of an allergy, the consequences of envenomization are more or less serious.
A local allergic reaction is the most common, and in its severest form it can reach the two joints closest to the sting or bite. It increases gradually and reaches its peak within 24 to 48 hours. Any swelling should be monitored..
A general allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, is more rare.
Most often slight, just on the skin or mucus area but far from the sting (a rash), it may be accompanied by anxiety and malaise. Its affect on other target organs is its biggest threat.
There may be ophtalmological signs (conjunctivitis), but also pharyngitis and laryngitis (Quincke’s edema) and these can lead to the obstruction of upper-body air passages.
Pulmonary signs with bronchio-spasms (asthma attacks); digestive signs (diarrheas, abdominal pain, vomiting); neurological signs with confusion, extreme anxiety and a feeling of imminent death, symtoms like dysphagia (difficulties with swallowing), dysphonia (difficulties with speaking), and dyspnea (laboured breathing) are signs of seriousness.
At the extreme end of the scale there is a weakening of the cardio-vascular system with anaphylactic shock and collapse (falling blood pressure), leading to death in the absence of emergency therapy. Cardiac arrest can occur suddenly, either from hypoxia (lack of oxygen) linked to respiratory failure or to the persistence of collapse.