Wasp Sting

Although many people are familiar with the swelling and itching accompanied by a mosquito bite, a wasp sting is one of the few insects whose bite can cause serious and painful medical conditions.

Ouch!

Bees, hornets, spiders, fire ants, yellow jackets and wasp stings are the insect bites that are often considered the most agonizing, irritating, and venomous. Most of these insects live in colonies. If you've stumbled across one, there are most likely more where they came from. Whether your wasp sting is singular or multiple in nature, recognizing the symptoms and administering early treatment precautions can help reduce the likelihood of serious, if not fatal, complications.

Unlike common skin allergies and minor insect bites, a wasp sting is sure to be noticed immediately upon contact. Wasp stings and bee stings are extremely painful. Immediately after being stung, many people find the stinger (which injects venomous poison into the bloodstream) stuck in their skin. Removing the stinger is a crucial step in treating the bite. The following symptoms may quickly follow wasp stings.

• Pain and redness at the scene of the bite
• Slightly raised bump
• A minute lesion at the sting site
• Generalized allergic reaction followed by itching

Most all insect bites, including wasp stings, can be treated at home with a few first aid supplies. To treat stings:

1. Remove stinger from skin as quickly as possible.
2. Wash the wound site with warm soapy water and pat dry. Apply a triple antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin as needed to reduce the risk of infection.
3. Apply ice to the skin in 20 minute increments to reduce swelling and numb pain.
4. Over the counter allergy medication such as Claritin or Benadryl will help reduce the itching and prevent further reactions such as swelling or rashes. Administer as instructed.
5. Over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen can help reduce the ache from the wound site.

Medical attention is advised for anyone who has experienced more than just a common skin irritation from a sting, such as a moderate allergic reaction. At any given time, a lethal reaction can occur from insect bites. If you are experiencing all or any of the following symptoms, it's advisable you seek proper medical attention right away:

• Difficulty breathing or speaking
• Hives
• Sudden swelling in the mouth or throat (risk of suffocation)
• Allover body rash
• Fainting
• Multiple stings, especially in the elderly or children. If you have a reduced immune system or underlying medical condition, seek medical care.
• Any stings that have occurred inside the mouth, or on the eyeball.
• If there are symptoms of increased swelling or infection, pus, fever or drainage at the wound site, seek treatment.

It's important to remember that children, elderly and those with weakened immune systems are generally at higher risk for severe reactions and complications from stings. It is always recommended to treat these cases professionally.

For most people, wasp and bee stings are painful reminders that the great outdoors has its fair share of dangers. With proper treatment and medical care if necessary, these painful stings normally heal within a few days.

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