Wasp stings are common, but they can be painful and potentially dangerous. If you are stung by a wasp, the most important thing to do is to remove the stinger as soon as possible. The sooner the stinger is removed, the less chance there is that your body will react against it by producing more venom.
What is a wasp, you might be asking. A common name for a wasp is a hornet. These stinging insects are found all over the world and are, with their large body and wingspan, one of the largest insects in existence.
One of the worst things about being up at northern latitudes is that swarming wasps seem to find their way into your life. Swarming is a collective term to describe the seasonal activities of these flying pests. As the weather heats up and food sources become limited, the queen wasp will start to sporadically lay eggs, and soon there will be dozens of new wasps looking for something to eat.
What Is the Best Home Remedy for Wasp Sting?
Wasp stings are painful and irritating, but they don’t have to ruin your day. If you know what to do, you can treat wasp stings at home with a little bit of common sense and some over-the-counter remedies.
The best home remedies for wasp stings are those that treat the symptoms and relieve the pain. There are many options, but only a few have been proven effective.
The most common home remedy is to apply ice packs to the area. This helps to numb the area and reduce swelling and inflammation. However, it can also lead to frostbite if left on for too long. You can also take an antihistamine or take some ibuprofen for additional relief from pain and swelling.
Another popular option is to use baking soda mixed with water as an antacid, but there is no evidence that this works any better than plain water does.
Warm compresses can also be used to help reduce swelling and pain, but they should not be applied directly because they can cause more irritation than anything else.
If you are allergic to wasp venom, you may develop a large red area around the sting site that starts itching and feels hot. In this case, it’s important to see your doctor immediately so he or she can prescribe medication that will help control symptoms such as swelling and rash while preventing anaphylaxis (a life-threatening condition) from occurring in response to an allergic reaction triggered by exposure to venom during exposure).
How Long Does a Wasp Sting Take To Go Away?
The amount of time it takes for a wasp sting to heal varies from person to person. The severity of the sting is related to the amount of venom injected by the wasp and also how long it takes for you to get medical help after being stung.
If you were stung in an area that has a lot of nerve endings or where blood vessels are close together, such as the hand or foot, it may take longer for your body to fight off the venomous effects. If you have an allergic reaction to the venom, this can also prolong the healing process.
Some people may experience swelling and pain for days following an insect sting while others may not feel any discomfort at all following treatment.
How Do You Get Instant Relief From a Wasp Sting?
Wasp stings can be extremely painful and irritating, especially if they are in an area with a lot of nerve endings, like your face or the back of your neck. The good news is that there are ways to get immediate relief from wasp stings. There are also some things that you can do to prevent wasp stings in the first place.
The first thing to do when you get stung by a wasp is to remove the stinger if it’s still attached. If the stinger has already been removed, or if you don’t feel it anymore, then don’t worry about it.
The next step is to clean the area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. You can also use rubbing alcohol to dry the area and help prevent infection. But don’t use alcohol if you have an open wound, it will sting.
After cleaning off any remaining venom, apply ice or a cold pack to the area for 10-15 minutes. This will help reduce swelling and pain, but make sure that your skin is not frozen (this can damage tissue). Then take an antihistamine like Benadryl or Claritin, which should help with any itching or swelling that remains after removing the stinger and cleaning up the area.
When Should I Be Concerned About a Wasp Sting Swelling?
Wasp sting swelling is not typically serious, but if you have a history of severe allergies, it’s important to watch out for signs of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction). If you have any symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately and get yourself to the nearest emergency room.
Other than that, most people will experience some sort of swelling and itching at the site of their wasp sting. This is normal, it’s your body’s way of trying to fight off the venom in the best way it knows how.
How Long Does a Wasp Sting Swelling Last?
The swelling from a wasp sting can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
The degree of swelling and the length of time it lasts are largely dependent on three factors: the type of wasp, how sensitive your body is to the venom, and how quickly you treat the sting.
If you’re stung by a honeybee, the swelling should go down within a few hours. If it doesn’t, you should call your doctor immediately. Honeybee stings can cause anaphylactic shock if left untreated.
If you’re stung by a yellowjacket or paper wasp, the swelling may last longer than 24 hours.
The swelling will eventually go away on its own but it can take up to two weeks for your body to recover from the venom inside the sting site.
List of Products to Get Swelling Down from a Wasp Sting
Swelling is a common side effect of a wasp sting. The swelling can be quite painful and can cause discomfort. In order to get the swelling down, you will need to do some things that will help the swelling go down and also help reduce the pain associated with it.
Here is a list of products that you can use to get the swelling down from a wasp sting:
Beurer BR60 Insect Sting and Bite Relief, Bug Bite Healer for Chemical-Free Treatment of Insect Bites and Stings, Non-Toxic Natural Relief from Itching and Swelling, for Mosquito Bites
Price: $26.71
Features:
- SYMPTOM RELIEF: The insect bite healer helps combat itching and swelling after insect bites by using heat to accelerate the healing process – insect bite relief from mosquitos, wasps, bugs, and bees
- CHEMICAL-FREE: Non-toxic and safe to use, the insect bite pen only uses heat and is suitable for pregnant women, you can avoid chemical products like bug bite creams or bug sprays
- FAST AND EFFECTIVE: The quick-warming ceramic plate is ready for use almost immediately and application takes just 3-6 seconds, depending on which of the 2 programs you’ve chosen – suitable for all ages and sensitive skin
- EASY TO USE: Place the bug bite pen on the affected area, then press the button and wait 3-6 seconds until you hear the beep and the heating stops – super simple and easy to use
- PORTABLE DESIGN: The bug bite healer is battery-operated, compact, and lightweight and is the ideal accessory for travel, camping and other outdoor activities – ready whenever you need it
Mite-B-Gone 10% Sulfur Lotion Itch Relief for Insect Bites, Acne, Itching, Discomfort & Redness | Fast & Effective Relief for Itch with an All-Natural Blend of Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients | 8 oz
Price: $51.95
Features:
- Mite-B-Gone Sulfur Lotion is a natural blend of nourishing essential oils and botanicals that quickly relieve itch from bug bites, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema, as well as skin discomfort and nail irritations.
- Mite-B-Gone’s Lotion is a 100% Natural Formula that includes Sunflower Seed Oil and Tea Tree Oil. This known soothing and anti-inflammatory blend quickly counteracts itching and progressively clears up discomfort.
- You may notice the Sulfur micro-particles have a slightly gritty texture to your soap. Sulfur is keratolytic, which means that it works to loosen the outer layer of the skin and shed those dead skin cells. This results in deeper penetration!
- Mite-B-Gone Lotion gives you lasting relief WITHOUT harsh chemicals or irritation
- Proudly small-batched by our skilled production technicians in our FDA Registered Facility right outside Atlanta, Georgia, here in the USA.
- 3-Year Shelf Life
Spenco 2nd Skin Squares Soothing Protection, Gel Squares 200-Count, Bacterial Barrier, One Size
Price: $36.90
Features:
- Medical-grade gel adhesive squares sooth, cool, and protect
- Hypoallergenic, latex free, and non-medicated, these hydrogel squares can be used for scrapes, cuts and burns
- Made mostly from water so the dressings will not stick to the skin for painless removal
- Ideal for use in clinics, training rooms, and first aid kits
- 200 gel squares (non-sterile). 1 inch x 1 inch / 2.5cm x 2.5cm
In Conclusion,
The best way to get swelling down from a wasp sting is to remove the stinger as quickly as possible, then apply ice to the area for about 15 minutes. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after handling the wasp.
If you think you have an allergic reaction, go to the hospital immediately.