Our Editorial Process
How We Research & Build StingHelp Guides
StingHelp is built to answer practical questions about insect bites, stings, first aid, warning signs, and prevention for readers in the United States. Our process is designed to make complex health and pest information easier to use without overstating what symptoms, images, or online research can prove.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
1. Start with a specific reader question
Each guide begins with a defined topic and search intent: for example, how two bite patterns differ, what first-aid steps are reasonable, which warning signs need medical attention, or how to reduce exposure. Closely overlapping topics may be consolidated rather than creating multiple pages that compete with one another.
2. Research authoritative sources
We prioritize sources appropriate to the claim. Depending on the subject, these may include CDC, NIH, FDA, EPA, state and local public-health departments, recognized professional medical organizations, university extension programs, and relevant peer-reviewed research.
3. Separate evidence from uncertainty
Many bites, stings, rashes, and skin reactions look alike. We avoid presenting appearance alone as a definitive diagnosis. Where evidence is limited, geographic risk varies, or identification depends on exposure history or professional examination, the guide should say so.
4. Build a safety-first answer
Articles are structured to provide a concise direct answer followed by useful detail. Safety-sensitive topics should clearly distinguish routine self-care from symptoms that may warrant professional evaluation or emergency care.
5. Add original synthesis
Rather than simply repeating source material, we aim to organize evidence into practical comparisons, decision points, tables, checklists, FAQs, prevention steps, and context that helps readers understand how the information fits together.
6. Check links, claims, and medical language
Before publication, important factual claims should be checked against appropriate sources, internal links should point to relevant StingHelp resources, and language should avoid unsupported certainty. We do not invent citations, studies, statistics, reviewer approval, credentials, or patient stories.
7. Use media responsibly
Images and graphics should match the topic and follow our Image & Media Policy. Illustrative or AI-generated medical imagery should not be represented as a real patient or diagnostic reference.
8. Update when evidence changes
Published pages may be refreshed when authoritative guidance, evidence, safety recommendations, or important sources change. Material errors are handled through our Corrections Policy.
Medical review is a separate standard
Editorial research and source verification do not automatically equal professional medical review. We only describe a page as medically reviewed when documented review actually occurred. See our Medical Review Policy.