Effective pain relief from bluebottle stings

A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia has concluded that immersion in hot water is a more effective treatment for bluebottle stings than the traditional ice pack treatment.

The study of 96 bluebottle sting victims treated 49 people by immersing their stings in 45 degree water for 20 minutes, and the other 47 people with ice packs. Of the 49 who were treated with hot water immersion, 87% reported less pain, compared to the 33% who were treated with ice packs. The study concluded that hot water was a more effective pain relief treatment.

HealthInsite has a topic page on Bites and Stings, which can be found at:  http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Bites_and_Stings

More information can be found by checking the link below:

Medical Journal of Australia study:  http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/184_07_030406/lot11135_fm.html

Created 1 March 2006

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