Venom Allergies

The symptoms of venom allergy vary depending on the severity of the reaction. 

Localised reaction:

The site of the sting may become swollen, red, itchy, and uncomfortable, with swelling less than 10cm in diameter. A localised reaction will often go down within 24 hours.

Mild systemic reaction: 

Swelling and hives appear in areas other than the site of the sting. This type of reaction can last for a few days.

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): 

This type of reaction is life-threatening and should always be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. 

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• a rapid, weak pulse 

• sudden difficulty breathing

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat

• difficulty swallowing or speaking

• large hives or a rash on the body

• flushed, red skin

• abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting

• dizziness and fainting

• collapse and unconsciousness

Anaphylactic death resulting from an insect sting can occur within 15 to 20 minutes of being stung without treatment. 

Insect venom allergies can get worse over time, as the immune system may respond more strongly if exposed to the same allergen again. A mild reaction to a sting may be followed by a more severe or life-threatening reaction to subsequent stings.  

If you have a history of allergic reactions to insect stings, we recommend consulting one of our allergists at the Allergy centre to confirm your diagnosis and explore options to help manage and reduce the risk of future reactions.

Venom allergies are caused by an immune system overreaction to proteins in insect venom. The immune system mistakenly identifies the venom proteins as harmful and then releases chemicals like histamine, which cause the symptoms of venom allergy. 

The process leading to this overreaction (sensitisation) happens over time, not usually when the person is first stung. After the first sting, the immune system becomes more sensitive to the proteins in the venom and reactions to subsequent stings can be more severe. 

People who get stung more often are more likely to develop a venom allergy (for example, beekeepers, gardeners, and pest controllers). Patients who have venom allergy and also have an underlying cardiac condition or mastocytosis are at higher risk of having a severe reaction.

Our allergists will review your symptoms and medical history at an initial consultation in our specialist Allergy centre. They will also use skin prick tests and blood tests to confirm a diagnosis of venom allergy.

The best way to prevent a venom allergy from happening is to limit exposure to insects and reduce the risk of being stung:

• avoid eating outside, especially on the ground, or in spaces with lots of plants and trees

• wear closed shoes whenever possible and avoid walking barefoot on grass

• stay calm around insects – rather than swatting them, slowly move away, gently brush them off, or wait still for them to leave

• check food and drink before each bite or sip to make sure an insect hasn’t landed

• avoid using sweet-smelling fragrances and toiletries, as these can attract bees

• keep car and house windows closed to keep insects out

• wear clothes that cover the arms and legs, and avoid wearing bright-coloured or floral clothing as these can attract insects

• address any insect problems, hives, or nests in and around your home

The main complication of insect venom allergy is anaphylaxis. This type of reaction is life-threatening and should always be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. 

Other, more rare, complications include: 

• serum sickness – a reaction that occurs days or weeks after exposure and can cause fever, rash and joint pain 

• vasculitis – inflammation of blood vessels 

• neurological complications – nerve or brain inflammation.

Mild and localised sting reactions can be self-treated by:

• scraping (not pulling) the stinger off the skin to limit the amount of venom released

• applying a cold compress, or an ice pack, on the affected area

• taking an antihistamine such as cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine for a few days

• applying a topical antihistamine preparation, hydrocortisone cream, or calamine lotion

• taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease discomfort

If you have a more severe allergy, our allergists will offer specific advice on treatments to help manage the risk of future reactions based on your allergy. 

Treatment options include: 

• anti-allergic treatment – antihistamines, corticosteroids, or adrenaline, such as an adrenaline pen 

• venom desensitisation therapy – a series of injections is given over a number of years that work to change the natural reaction to the venom and reduce symptoms of severe reactions

At Welbeck, our allergists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.