How Bad Is Wasp Venom?

Having an allergic reaction to a wasp sting can be serious. Anaphylaxis is a life threatening condition, and it can occur without warning. It affects your whole body and can lead to confusion and weakness. If you have anaphylaxis, you should seek medical attention immediately.

The first reaction to a wasp sting is usually itching. The itching may subside within a few hours. You can use an antihistamine to relieve the discomfort. You may also use a cold or ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to reduce swelling. If the swelling does not subside within a few hours, you should seek medical attention.

If your itching subsides within hours, you can usually remove the stinger with a blunt object. You can also remove the stinger with soap and water. Using tweezers can cause more venom to be released. If you are unable to remove the stinger, you can use a blunt object such as a credit card to remove it.

If you have an allergic reaction to a wasp venom, you should not try to suck the venom out of your wound. You should also take immediate action to prevent the venom from spreading to other parts of your body. You should also lay in a stable position and try to breathe through your mouth. You may also be able to inject an epinephrine injection. If you are allergic to stings, you should also carry a small epinephrine injector.