How To Treat A Wasp Sting

Unlike a bee, wasps have the ability to deliver multiple stings. If that wasn’t enough, the venom of a wasp sting, though lesser in volume; is much more powerful than that of a bee sting. It can easily lead to an allergic reaction and prove to be dangerous for a person. For, if by any chance, you get stung by a wasp, get yourself treated as early as possible. In case you are unaware of how to treat a wasp sting at home, the information provided in the following lines would surely come handy, now and in future as well.

Treating Wasp Stings At Home

Supplies Needed

Dull Butter Knife
Icepack
Ice Cubes & Washcloth
Topical Antihistamine
Topical Anesthetic
Topical Hydrocortisone
Oral Analgesic

Instructions

First of all, you have to remove the stinger of the wasp. For the purpose, the best bet would be to scrape a dull butter knife against your skin. Make sure to scrape it in the direction opposite to that of the stinger entry. The stringer will pop out within a few minutes.
Now that the stinger has been removed, you have to undertake steps for reducing the pain and swelling at the sting site. For the purpose, make use of ice. You can either use an icepack on the affected area or wrap ice cubes in a washcloth and apply.
Keep on applying the ice on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Thereafter, dry the site thoroughly and apply a topical antihistamine on the area. It will be available in cream, stick or gel form.
If you feel that the pain is not subsiding even after applying the antihistamine, it is the time to make use of a topical anesthetic, easily available over-the-counter.
In case there is an indication of any allergic reaction near the affected area, wash it with soap and water. Dry it thoroughly and then apply a topical hydrocortisone cream.
You might experience general pain, because of the venom (from the venom) circulating throughout your bloodstream. In this case, consider taking an oral analgesic as well.

Some Tips

Many people prefer using a pair of tweezers for removing the stinger. However, this method is not advisable, since it can potentially inject more venom into your skin, when you try to nudge out the stinger from inside the skin.
Never ever apply the ice directly on the affected area. This is because this can easily result in a flesh burn.
In case there seems to be a severe allergic reaction after the wasp sting, with symptoms like excessive pain, nausea, or vomiting, it is advisable to seek medical help at the earliest.
If you want to try a home remedy, consider making a thick paste of baking soda and water and applying it on the affected area. You can also use a paste of mud and water, for the purpose. Though there is no scientific evidence behind their remedies, they have been claimed to have worked in many cases.

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