About your visit

You have been bitten or stung by an insect. We have cleaned the site and ensured that the sting from the insect has been removed.

When you get home

You may have an allergic reaction

Insect bites and stings can develop into an allergic reaction that results in itching, swelling, and heat on and around the site of the bite or sting. The swelling may last for several days. The reaction is harmless and will go away by itself on its own. You can use antihistamine if your skin becomes very irritated.

Dial 112 if you:

• feel dizzy or unwell
• experience itching, swelling or rash on areas other than the site of the sting or bite
• faint
• have trouble breathing.

Contact your general practitioner or dial 1813 to reach the medical helpline outside your general practitioner’s opening hours if:

• you experience severe swelling on the site of the bite or sting, making it difficult to move the limb in question
• you experience swelling in other areas than the site of the sting or bite
• you develop a rash
• you develop pain in your joints
• red stripes appear under the skin on the site of the sting or bite
• you develop a fever
• you experience increasing throbbing or pulsing pains.

If you have previously had an allergic reaction to an insect bite/sting

You can prevent having an allergic reaction once you get home by:

• avoiding unnecessary strenuous physical activity
• taking your antihistamine and prednisolone tablets at the same time
• readying your EpiPen.

Speak with your doctor about immunotherapy. There is also a vaccination available that reduces reactions to insect bites or stings.

Take pain-relieving medicine if you are in pain

You should take pain-relieving medicine if you are in pain. Pain-relieving medicine can be bought over the counter. Take only the amount of pain reliever recommended on the package. Contact your general practitioner if you need help managing the pain.  

If it happens again

Remove the insect and clean the site of the bite/sting

If you get bitten or stung again, make sure to remove the insect and/or sting from your skin. If the site begins to sting, itch or feel warm, place an ice cube or clean tea towel soaked in cold water on your skin.
Anti-itch creams can be bought at the pharmacy.

Contact your general practitioner if you have been stung or bitten in your mouth or throat

Getting stung in the mouth, throat or oesophagus can be dangerous, regardless of whether or not you are allergic. Your throat may swell, making it difficult to breathe. You must therefore immediately contact your general practitioner or dial 1813 to reach the medical hotline outside your general practitioner’s opening hours.

Dial 112 if you experience trouble breathing.

Worth knowing

Your personal data

The Capital Region of Denmark uses the personal data you share with us when you make an enquiry. You can read more about how we use your data and your rights on our website: www.regionh.dk/persondatapolitik