A wasp sting delivers venom directly into the skin, immediately triggering sharp pain, burning, and an inflammatory response that causes localized redness and swelling. Unlike a honey bee, a wasp possesses a smooth stinger, allowing it to sting a person multiple times. For most individuals, the reaction remains localized and resolves within a few days, but immediate steps can reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
Immediate Steps After the Sting
The first action upon being stung should be to move calmly and quickly away from the area where the incident occurred. Wasps release alarm pheromones when they sting, which can attract other nearby wasps and provoke them to sting as well. Once safely away, gently wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water to remove any residual venom and clean the wound.
Thorough cleaning of the site reduces the risk of secondary bacterial infection. Gently inspect the area for a lodged stinger, a situation more commonly associated with bee stings. If any part of the stinger is visible, scrape it away carefully with a straight edge, like a credit card. Avoid squeezing the area, which could push more venom into the tissue.
Treating Pain and Swelling at Home
To manage discomfort and swelling, apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth directly to the sting site. Cold therapy constricts blood vessels, which slows the spread of venom and reduces inflammation. Apply the compress for approximately ten minutes on and ten minutes off for up to an hour.
If the sting is on a limb, elevating the arm or leg above the level of the heart helps reduce swelling by encouraging fluid drainage. For persistent itching and swelling, an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine, can be taken to block the histamine response. Pain management can be achieved with non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoid scratching the area, even if it is intensely itchy, as this can break the skin and introduce bacteria, leading to infection.
Recognizing Signs of a Severe Reaction
While most reactions are localized, a small number of people experience a systemic, life-threatening allergic response known as anaphylaxis. This severe reaction can develop rapidly, often within minutes of the sting, and requires immediate emergency medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis involve multiple body systems and are not limited to the sting site.
Watch for signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or tightness in the throat or chest. Swelling that extends beyond the localized site to include the face, lips, tongue, or throat is a serious indicator. Other systemic symptoms include dizziness, a sudden drop in blood pressure, or a rapid or weak pulse. Also look for widespread hives, a rash across the body, or severe nausea and vomiting.
If you or someone else displays any of these symptoms, call for emergency medical services immediately. Individuals with a known wasp venom allergy should administer an epinephrine auto-injector at the first sign of a severe reaction. Even if symptoms subside after using the auto-injector, medical observation is still necessary. This is because symptoms can return in a second wave hours later.