When a bee or wasp stings, the sac contracts, pumping venom into the tissue. The information below refers to bee stings, but it applies to stings caused by both bees and wasps. The symptoms, treatments, and dangers are the same. A bee sting is usually recognized by a sharp pain and a puncture wound or laceration in the skin. The venom contained in a bee or wasp sting induces a local toxic reaction at the site of attack.
Some stings may produce the following symptoms , referred to as a large local reaction:. However, some symptoms that develop after a bee sting signal a severe allergic reaction and need urgent medical attention. Without treatment, anaphylactic shock may occur very quickly.
This can be fatal. If any of these symptoms appear following a sting of any kind, emergency medical care is needed. Individuals who have experienced an allergic reaction to a sting in the past are more likely to have a reaction in the future.
This shot relaxes blood vessels and muscles, helping the body to deal with the response while medical help is called. Sometimes a sting can become infected. Consult a doctor if the area affected shows a pus discharge, or if there is an increase in the normal pain, swelling, and redness that was produced by the initial sting.
Most bee stings can be treated without medical attention, but some products may help manage the discomfort. These products are available online, including oral antihistamines and antihistamine cream. There are a number of different brands to choose from. These are also available over-the-counter OTC from a pharmacy, or they may be prescribed by a doctor. If the local reaction is large, for example, with severe local swelling, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed for 3 to 5 days. Someone who knows they are allergic to stings may carry an epinephrine injector.
A bystander can help the person administer this injection, if needed. Keep an open eye for wasp nests around your home. Call a pest control company to have it professionally removed. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Bug Bites. Reviewed: March 26, Medically Reviewed. Getting stung by a wasp is a completely different story. Bald-Faced Hornet. Yellow Jacket. Paper Wasp. Cicada Killer Wasp. Other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to wasp venom include: 10, 12 Swelling of the lips, mouth, or tongue Rapid heartbeat Diarrhea Vomiting Stomach pain Call immediately if you have a severe reaction to a sting.
Some basic care for a wasp sting: 12 Wash the area with soap and water, Conti recommends. Clean the area every day until it heals, to prevent a skin infection. Apply a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling. Wrap the cold pack in a towel and place it on the sting — 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. Take an antihistamine like Benadryl or Claritin if you have a reaction, says Conti.
Carry an EpiPen epinephrine if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction to wasp venom. Administer immediately after a sting to avoid anaphylaxis, he adds. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Advil or Motrin ibuprofen or Tylenol acetaminophen to reduce pain.
A few home remedies can also provide relief from a wasp sting. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Illinois Department of Public Health. Wasps and Bees. Washington NatureMapping Program. National Geographic. Stinging Insects: Paper Wasps. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. Frank S, Youngsteadt E.
North Carolina State Extension. April 1, They can be uncomfortable, but most people recover quickly and without complications. Wasps, like bees and hornets, are equipped with a stinger for self-defense. However, even without a lodged stinger, wasp venom can cause significant pain and irritation. In either case, prompt treatment is important for alleviating symptoms and complications. The majority of people without sting allergies will show only minor symptoms during and after a wasp sting.
The initial sensations can include sharp pain or burning at the sting site. Redness, swelling, and itching can occur as well. A tiny white mark may be visible in the middle of the welt where the stinger punctured your skin. Usually, the pain and swelling recedes within several hours of being stung. Large local reactions to wasp stings include extreme redness and swelling that increases for two or three days after the sting.
Nausea and vomiting can also occur. Let your doctor know if you have a large local reaction after a wasp sting. They may direct you to take an over-the-counter OTC antihistamine medication such as Benadryl to reduce your discomfort. You could have one strong reaction and never show the same symptoms again. However, a large local reaction could be the way your body routinely responds to wasp stings.
The most severe allergic reactions to wasp stings are referred to as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis occurs when your body goes into shock in response to wasp venom.
Most people who go into shock after a wasp sting do so very quickly. Epinephrine has several effects that help stabilize the blood pressure, increase the heart rate and strength, and help respiration return to normal. Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Learn more about this dangerous condition, including what to do if someone you know is experiencing it. You can treat mild and moderate reactions to wasp stings at home. While treating your sting at home, you should:. Use hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion if itching or skin irritation becomes bothersome.
Baking soda and colloidal oatmeal are soothing to the skin and can be used during a bath or through medicated skin creams. OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen , can manage pain associated with wasp stings.
Antihistamine drugs, including diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine , can reduce itching as well. Take all medications as directed to avoid potential side effects, such as stomach irritation or drowsiness. Vinegar is another possible home remedy that may be used for wasp stings. The theory is that the acidity of vinegar can help neutralize the alkalinity of wasp stings.
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