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Bee and Wasp Venom Allergy

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Braun-Falco´s Dermatology

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Abstract

Hypersensitivity reactions to the stings of the Aculeata (stinging insects) are predominantly immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reactions that manifest as large local reactions or potentially life-threatening generalized allergic reactions. In Central Europe, the stings of honeybees or certain wasps are predominantly responsible for significant sting reactions. Acute symptoms following an insect sting are treated symptomatically. After generalized reactions or large local reactions, long-term sting prevention measures and instructions on self-help in the case of a renewed sting reaction are indicated. Skin tests and specific IgE antibodies are used to check sensitization to bee and wasp venom. Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is indicated in most cases of honeybee or wasp venom anaphylaxis, for which an increased maintenance dose is sometimes required. SIT is urgently indicated in cases of mast cell disease, old age, or a high risk of further stings.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. AllergyCenter, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich, Germany

    Franziska Ruëff

  2. Department for Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Giessen (UKGM), Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany

    Thilo Jakob

Authors
  1. Franziska Ruëff
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  2. Thilo Jakob
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Franziska Ruëff .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Gerd Plewig

  2. Department of Dermatology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Lars French

  3. Department of Dermatology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Thomas Ruzicka

  4. Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Frankfurt University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany

    Roland Kaufmann

  5. Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany

    Michael Hertl

Section Editor information

  1. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Thomas Ruzicka

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Ruëff, F., Jakob, T. (2021). Bee and Wasp Venom Allergy. In: Plewig, G., French, L., Ruzicka, T., Kaufmann, R., Hertl, M. (eds) Braun-Falco´s Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58713-3_28-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58713-3_28-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-58713-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-58713-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference MedicineReference Module Medicine

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