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Wasp Sting
Hearing the buzzing of wasps or bees is enough to make most people edgy, if not down right scared. The thought of getting stung by one or more of these little insects is what drives most people's fear. A wasp sting can be quite a painful event and if you are allergic to the sting, it can be life threatening.
A wasp sting is the sign of summer to me, because that's when I always got stung as a kid. It didn't matter if I was helping in the garden, playing on the swing set, or walking a mountain path, I seemed to have a knack for disturbing wasp each summer. Today I am the "wasp whisperer" and can get them away from me without a wasp sting.
Another worry is that due to the fact that these insects travel together, it is possible that one sting can turn into many stings, causing even more health concerns. What do you need to know if you are stung by a wasp?
The first thing that you need to do is not panic. Move away from the area where you were stung to help prevent other stings. A wasp releases venom into your body through their stinger and many times this stinger gets caught in your skin.
Removing the stinger as soon as possible helps decrease the amount of venom that is released into your body. Many healthcare professionals recommend that you scrape out the stinger with a credit card, or similar "tool", but it's most important you get the stinger out than the method that you use.
Applying ice to the affected area can help to reduce the swelling and some of the stinging pain that is associated with a wasp sting. Ice can be applied for 20 minutes of every hour as needed for your symptoms. Taking a pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also help relieve the pain. An antihistamine, like Benadryl, can help to relieve itching. Washing the stung area with soap and water is important to help keep it from becoming infected. If no other symptoms are noticed you are fine to just treat yourself at home.
Home remedies are often used to help minimize the pain of a wasp sting. And everyone has their own favorite. Whether they work by the placebo effect or truly make a difference doesn't matter to me. As long as you don't cause more problems with your home cure don't hesitate to give them a try.
Baking soda paste at the sting site is my favorite (and that comes from years of being stung as a child and having lots of practice). Others swear by toothpaste (would it be the baking soda in the toothpaste that's working, or the fluoride?). Then there are the meat tenderizer supporters who say the venom is neutralized by the meat tenderizer. Let me know what works for you.
More severe symptoms, including trouble breathing, a rash, hives, or low blood pressure, indicates a need more aggressive medical treatment -- and soon. If you have any of these symptoms, or if you were stung by more than a few wasps or more than a few times, get medical attention as soon as possible. Taking an antihistamine slows the symptoms until you can get to a doctor or hospital. A sting in the mouth, nose, or eye may need medical attention as well. By paying close attention to your symptoms, you can better evaluate the urgency of medical attention.
A wasp sting, for the most part, is not life threatening to most people. If you have had allergic reactions to stings before, however, then it's important you get medical attention as soon as possible. By evaluating the symptoms of the stung person, you can better determine if medical attention is needed, or if treatment at home is sufficient.
