Symptoms

The stings of wasps or ants or bees, as indeed do most of the bites of insects, present very much the appearance of what are called poisoned wounds. The history of the case will generally be that the patient has suddenly felt a very sharp pain in the part affected, though, perhaps, he has not noticed any unusual appearance about it. Within a short, but variable, period, there is a feeling of irritation about the spot, which rapidly becomes red and swollen, and sometimes is acutely painful. On close examination, it will be found that there is a small speck about the centre of the inflamed part, and in this the sting of the insect is sometimes found. The severity of the symptoms will of course vary, according to the state of health, or the constitution of the patient. The inflammation may be confined to a small circumscribed spot, or it may spread over a whole limb, and be attended with signs of prostration.

Treatment

If the sting have been left in, as it usually is by wasps, it should be carefully extracted, if it can be got hold of, by forceps or tweezers. If there be simply a small red irritable spot, it will be sufficient to dress it with a cold evaporating lotion, such as the following: -

Vinegar, I oz.

Spirits of wine, 1 oz.

Water, 4 oz. Mix.

This should be kept constantly applied, by means of a piece of lint or soft linen rag.

Spirits of salvolatile is also very useful for local application in slight cases of stings.

Should however the inflammation spread much, poultices of linseed-meal should be applied.

Should the wound have been inflicted by a snake or other venomous insect, and the system be at all affected, if the patient seem faint or prostrated, stimulants should be given freely, thus: -

Spirits of salvolatile, 1 drm.

Water, to 1 oz., Every hour, or brandy and water, if the ammonia be not at hand.

If the bite proceed from some animal, whose bite is known to be of a dangerous nature, nitrate of silver should be freely applied to the wound as quickly as possible.

If the wound be on a limb, it will be as well to tie a handkerchief or other ligature tightly round it above the part bitten.

The venomous effects of certain snake bites, as that of the cobra di capello, are so rapid in their development, that unless speedy or immediate aid be rendered, the victim will stand but little chance of recovery.

The bite of the adder is occasionally followed by very serious symptoms. The bite, or rather the stings, of certain scorpions, are often of a severe nature. In nearly all cases of snake-bite, the symptoms consist in a fearful state of depression, during which, unless the strength be supported, the patient will sink.

In India, there is largely used for snake bites a substance called Eau de Luce, which is a solution of ammonia with oil of amber. This is given in teaspoonful doses every five minutes; and instances are on record in which life has often been saved by it.

If the wound be inflicted on one of the limbs, a ligature should be very tightly tied round it above the wound.

The object of the treatment, as above stated, is to support the strength of the patient until the poison shall have passed out of the system.