Wasp Stings - What to Do

A wasp sting is nothing more than a nuisance. You momentarily get alarmed due to sudden discomfort and pain. Wasp stinging involves injection of a venom. The wasp venom consists of several types of proteins such as histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin and kinin. In the wasp venom, the peptide kinin plays is responsible for contractions of isolated smooth muscles, increasing the permeability of the capillaries and lowering down the arterial blood pressure. A wasp does not leave its stinger behind in your body. It means that it can sting you more than once. If interested in knowing more about wasps, then click types of wasps.

A wasp sting soreness is generally temporary, and does not cause any serious or lasting health problem. Most of the people have only local reactions to wasp stings. The typical local reaction involves burning, itchiness, redness, swelling and tenderness in the stung area. The local reaction may last up to one week. However, short term is the effect of wasp sting, it is no doubt very painful, uneasy and troubling. You must be wondering what to do if a wasp stings you. Below-mentioned are some answers to your questions "wasp sting-what to do?". Try them out at the comfort of your home itself. Read more on first aid for wasp stings.

What to Do When a Wasp Stings You?

• The first answer to "wasp sting - what to do?" is to lie down and lower the arm or leg, whichever part has got stung. This keeps the venom bounded to that particular region, thus eases the treatment procedure.
• Wash the stung area gently with soap and water twice or thrice a day till the skin appears to heal.
• Apply some ice wrapped in a towel on the stung area. Never apply ice directly onto the skin as the ice may increase the possibility of skin burn.
• You can apply a small pack of frozen peas as well on the stung area.
• Leave either of the above mentioned pack for about 15 minutes. The intense cold will reduce blood flow to the area, which in turn will lead to a reduction in the reddening and defensive reaction. Take the pack off after 15 minutes and reapply it after 2-3 hours.
• Take acetaminophen, paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain relief. But make sure that the medications agree with your medical condition or allergy. If unsure, do not take them.
• The stung area may become irritating and itchy. Avoid scratching, pinching or squeezing of the stung area or you will disperse the venom to the surrounding tissues. This will in turn make the treatment and healing process more complicated.
• Apply corticosteroid or calamine lotion on the affected area frequently. This is a great remedy for itchiness.
• If you wish to treat itchiness fast, you can take oral antihistamine. It will reach the inflamed area through the bloodstream and will treat the itchiness from inside of the body.
• The topical application of Benadryl is a treatment specifically for wasp stings. Try this out for fast healing of wasp sting.
• Apply a paste of baking soda with a little water on the stung area overnight. This eases itchiness and redness to a great extent.
• Apply pure Aloe vera gel on the affected area for a cooling and soothing effect. This greatly reduces swelling, redness and irritation of the stung area.
• Some other home remedies for wasp sting are rubbing a slice of onion, applying cider vinegar with the help of a cotton wool, or placing a copper penny on the stung area.
• One of the great remedies for wasp sting is to apply a paste of water and meat tenderizer. This treatment is effective as the papain present in the tenderizer breaks down the protein of the venom, thereby reducing its effects. Cover the application with a dressing to prevent it from getting rubbed off. Read more on how to treat a wasp sting and wasp sting treatment.

All the home remedies given under the title "wasp sting-what to do" are very effective in case of local reaction to wasp sting. However, there may be some who experience quite serious and fatal allergic reactions. Such reactions may include hives or rash, headache, minor respiratory disorder symptoms, swelling away from the sting site, and indigestion. In case of such hyper allergic reactions, you should always consult a medical professional for assistance. Usually, antihistamines are prescribed.

Someone has rightly said that prevention is always better than cure. Why not protect yourself from wasp stings only to prevent the unnecessary fuss of relieving the pain and itchiness later on. This can be done by avoiding visits to places where wasps are found in abundance. If your locality is providing shelter to the wasps, then try all possible ways to clear them out. Read more on wasp nest removal home remedies for removing wasp nests in order to ensure wasp control. Also, avoid wearing bright colored clothes while visiting a region inhabited by wasps. However, if you still get caught, then try out the above mentioned home remedies for getting relief from the wasp stings!