Stings Some insects and animals sting as a defence mechanism. Common signs and symptoms include pain, a visible sting, redness and swelling around the site of the sting.

Insect stings

• Remove the sting straight away if it's visible by brushing or scraping it sideways with your nail, the edge of a credit card or the blunt edge of a knife
• Apply a cold compress – either an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped up in a tea towel, or a packet of frozen veg. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin.
• Watch for adverse reaction, such as anaphylactic shock

Stings in the mouth

• Give casualty an ice cube or cold drink to minimise swelling
• Take casualty to hospital or call 999

Jellyfish stings

• Wash with vinegar or salt water
• Put a light compression bandage above the sting
• Watch casualty for adverse reaction, such as anaphylactic shock

This article was reviewed by the British Red Cross in December 2009.