How Bad Are Wasp Bites?
Whether you’re young or old, getting stung by a wasp can be a frightening experience. The pain is intense, and a small percentage of people suffer severe reactions. These reactions can include anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. You should seek emergency medical care immediately if you’re experiencing severe symptoms.
If you have a moderate reaction, you can treat it with a combination of home remedies. You can use ibuprofen to reduce swelling. You can also apply aloe vera gel directly to the sting. Claritin can also help. If the sting is severe, you may need to take cortisone tablets to help with the swelling.
You should also call emergency services if the sting is intense. You should also get an EpiPen to be prepared for a severe allergic reaction. The signs of a severe allergic reaction include wheezing, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and vomiting.
If you are unsure whether you are allergic to wasp venom, call your doctor or an allergist. You can also call your local Poison Control center for advice.
If you suspect you’re allergic, you can take Claritin or Tylenol to relieve your pain. You can also wrap ice around a cloth to help reduce the swelling. You may also need to take oral antihistamines to relieve your itch.
Wasps don’t sting in the same way as bees. The stinger is longer, and it reattaches itself to the skin when it strikes. Wasps don’t sting in order to kill you, but to protect themselves.