How to Treat Wasp Stings

Getting stung by a wasp can be very upsetting for adults, and even children. Fortunately, there are treatments available to ease the pain and discomfort of a wasp sting. There are also steps you can take to prevent stings, and to protect your home and family from wasps.

The first step in treating a wasp sting is to remove the stinger from the victim’s skin. If the stinger remains in the skin, apply a cold pack to reduce pain. You can also use cucumber slices or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching.

It is also important to clean the sting site thoroughly to get rid of bacteria and reduce the possibility of a secondary infection. You should also avoid eating or drinking in the immediate area, as wasps are drawn to sweet foods. You can also soothe the skin with colloidal oatmeal, calamine lotion, or baking soda.

For a more severe reaction, you may need to call an ambulance. Your condition could become life-threatening if the stinger punctures blood vessels or causes a blood clot. If this happens, the affected area will need to be monitored closely, and you may need to receive a tetanus shot.

You can also use an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce discomfort. Antihistamines can be extremely effective in reducing the pain and itching associated with wasp stings, but they also have side effects.

You may also experience swelling at the site of the sting. You should monitor the swelling carefully to see if it is getting worse.