MANAGING ARTHROPOD BITES AND STINGS

Most arthropod bites and stings cause limited swelling, itching, pain, and redness and can be managed by ice application and tetanus prophyl axis as necessary. Stings by bees, wasps, and stinging ants can cause anaphylaxis that may require treatment with epinephrine and antihistam ines and respiratory and cardiac maintenance measures. Widow spider bi te management is controversial, but interventions for systemic reactio ns include calcium gluconate, methocarbamol, diazepam, narcotics, and antivenom. Victims of brown spider bites may need hospitalization if l esions enlarge rapidly or there are signs of systemic poisoning. Those stung by a bark scorpion may require oxygen, an intravenous line, pul se oximetry, and cardiac monitoring.