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How to remove a stinger

Healthwise
By Jan Nissl, RN, BS

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It is important to remove the stinger as quickly as possible after a sting. Even a delay of a second or two in removing the stinger is likely to increase the amount of venom you receive. In less than 20 seconds after a sting, 90% of the venom is injected into your body.

To quickly remove the stinger:

  • Flick the stinger out with your finger.
  • Scrape it out with something that is a immediately available, like a stiff piece of paper, butter knife, or credit card. Don't waste time trying to find something special.
  • Pinch it out with your fingers. Venom cannot be "squeezed" out of the stinger.

Credits

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine and Envenomation Specialist
Last Updated February 1, 2008
Last Updated: 02/01/2008