Stinging insects like wasps do not bite by cause puncture wounds with their stinger, through which venom is released into the victim. Wasps, bees, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants are among the insects that sting in defense. Most wasp stings are not a cause for worry and are a minor source of pain, causing symptoms like itching, inflammation and redness around the area of the sting. These effects are temporary and most treatment is meant to relieve the pain.
Keep in mind however that for some people a wasp sting may be a lot more than a minor nuisance. Stings can be fatal if the person has an allergy and does not receive appropriate medication promptly. Be very guarded for any of these symptoms:
- Breathlessness or suffocation
- Inflammation and swelling of the tongue
- Rashes or hives
- Nausea
- Blurring of vision
In case of any of these symptoms please seek immediate medical attention, especially if the victim is a young child or infant.
If there are no such reactions and the only symptoms experienced are the normal feelings of pain and irritation then treating the sting at home can be quite effective. Before you apply any remedies or salves you need to remove the stinger however. The longer it is allowed to stay in, the stronger the effects as more venom is released. Remove the stinger carefully however, scraping it outwards as applying pressure, as with a squeeze would only release more venom.
Once the stinger has been removed you can avail of a variety of home remedies to relieve the pain and help the symptoms subside. This will generally happen within a few hours. Cleanse the wound with warm water and soap prior to any application and after removal of the stinger. Dab the area dry and apply a salve. Here are some remedies you can use:
- Mix equal parts of baking soda with vinegar to obtain a paste that you can apply over the sting.
- Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing effects and it can help relieve the pain significantly.
- According to some you can mix unseasoned meat tenderizer with some water to make a paste that works as an effective remedy. The enzymes present in the tenderizer are believed to neutralize or dissolve the toxins. Unfortunately this treatment will only help if applied immediately as it can do no good once the venom has penetrated deep within.
answered by S D