Red Wasp Sting

Bee and wasp stings are one of the common cause of minor medical emergencies. The wasp stings are known to cause significant reactions, which can range from localized pain and swelling to serious and fatal conditions. Do you wonder, what are the causes of red wasp stings? Most wasp sting, when they perceive a threat to their colony. Wasp insects sting when an intruder comes closer to their hive or nest. At the same time, loud noises, bright and dark colors and certain perfumes can also attract the wasps. Wasps are able to sting multiple times and their stinger can easily be withdrawn from the victim's skin. The most prominent wasp sting symptoms is pain and wasp sting swelling accompanied by itching in an area of about half an inch across. In some cases the swelling can also increase to an area of about 2 inches in diameter. More often than not, this can be seen as an infection. Some people can also suffer from allergic reactions, which cause rash, itching all over the body, wheezing, trouble in breathing and in rare cases, especially in case of children shock. We will now see, how to treat a wasp sting.

Red Wasp Sting Treatment

Before any of the red wasp sting remedies, it is important to remove the stinger from the skin. The stinger will have to be removed using a dull knife. To remove the stinger, scrap in the opposite direction from the stinger entry. Normally the stinger will pop out. If you do not have a knife handy, you can also make use of tweezers to remove the stinger. However, there is a downside to this first aid for wasp sting. It can cause more venom to inject into your skin, when you are trying to pry and prod out the stinger.

The next measure in wasp sting treatment is to undertake is to use ice treatment. Place ice, either in a washcloth or put it in a plastic bag and apply the ice around the wound. It is not recommended, that you put ice directly on your skin, as it can cause the skin to burn. Let the ice stay in place for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then dry the skin out completely.

You can then apply any topical anti-histamine on the red wasp sting site. They are available either in cream, stick or gel form. If you experience pain, then you may want to use a topical anesthetic cream.

One of the red wasp sting home remedy is to apply moist baking soda on the red wasp sting site. Similarly moist mud can also be applied. Baking soda can also be combined with vinegar and a foaming paste can be applied on the skin. Application of sliced onion on the sting site is also said to be beneficial in treating the condition. Application of Epsom salt water on the sting site also proves to be beneficial in relieving the pain. Although the scientific evidence are not forthcoming, most people do swear by these method.

How to Prevent Red Wasp Sting

When you are traveling in the wild, or are working in the garden, it is important you take care, so that you do not suffer from red wasp string. It is important, that you do not wave the wasps away, when you are swarmed by them. Violent movements can excite the wasps and it can make them more aggressive and they are more likely to attack. If you come across a wasp nest, then do not blow at them, as the insects tend to attack immediately. At the same time, you may want to stay away from flowers, trees, bushes or piles of wood, as they tend to attract insects. Use of long sleeves, pants, shoes, socks and gloves will protect you from stings.

In case of a red wasp sting, if the person experiences shortness of breath or becomes wheezy, or develops a severe throbbing headache, then the person needs medical attention. Hives, redness or widespread itching accompanied by fainting or lightheadedness also needs medical attention.