BODY WATCH : Easing the Ouch

* If you are stung, scrape the stinger out. Do not squeeze with tweezers or with your fingers because that will force more venom into your system.

* Wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress and cover with a topical steroid such as Cortaid.

* If you are hypersensitive, the first sting serves to sensitize your immune system to the venom. A subsequent sting--perhaps months, even a year later--will trigger a severe allergic reaction. The symptoms may include a severe itchy rash, dizziness, facial and throat swelling, wheezing, vomiting, breathing difficulties and collapse.

* If you know that you are hypersensitive, wear an identification bracelet and carry an anaphylaxis kit. This is a self-injection device that requires a prescription and consists of a syringe pre-loaded with just the right dose of adrenaline. Make sure you know how to use it, and practice giving yourself “dummy” shots before you are bitten.

* If your are bitten, don’t wait to see what happens; inject yourself immediately and go to the nearest emergency room.

* If you can’t tolerate the thought of being vulnerable for life, consult an allergist. You can be injected repeatedly with venom until your body builds up an immunity. This normally takes about five years. The cure may sound worse than the problem, but it depends on how much time you spend outdoors; the more time outside, the greater the risk of an incident that could be fatal.