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If you've had a run-in with a wasp or a hornet, it can be really painful. Unfortunately, these things happen, no matter how much you try to avoid it (or how much bug spray you wear). Thankfully, there are many ways you can relieve your symptoms fast. Once you get the proper care, your symptoms should subside in just a few days. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Immediate Relief
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Remove the stinger if you haven't already. Use a clean, blunt object to scrape off the stinger, like a dull knife, a credit card, or your fingernail. Don't pull out the stinger, as this can cause more venom to spread. [2] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
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Wash the sting with soap and water. Continue to do this 3 times a day until the sting has healed. Keeping the area clean helps prevent infection. [3] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Ice the area. The best thing you can do for this sting is to ice it. Place ice in a wrap of some sort and keep it on the area for 10 minutes. Remove the ice for 10 minutes and then reapply it. Keep doing this in 10-minute increments for 30 to 60 minutes. This can provide immediate relief to the pain and itchiness you may be experiencing. [4] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Wrap an ice pack or some ice cubes in a towel or an old flannel. Just make sure you don't apply the ice directly, as this can be too harsh on your skin.
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Elevate the sting if it's on your arm or leg. This helps reduce immediate swelling. If the sting is on your arm, raise your arm in the air. If you've been stung on the leg, lie down and elevate your leg on a pillow. It's also a good idea to remove any tight-fitting clothing or rings. These can be really hard to remove once the sting has started to swell. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Avoid scratching the sting as best you can. Scratching can irritate the sting and prolong your symptoms. It can also increase your risk of developing an infection. Refrain from itching no matter how much you want to. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- If a little kid has been stung, cut their fingernails short and keep their hands clean. They may struggle to stop scratching the sting, so this can help reduce its impact.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionI got stung on my elbow two days ago. We got the stinger out. Now my arm is swollen, the area feels hot, and it burns and itches. What do I do?Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.I would seek out a doctor if you are having such a reaction of swelling and heat to the site.
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QuestionI was stung on my foot three days ago, and the swelling is travelling up my leg. Is this normal?Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.No, see your physician or visit an emergency room.
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QuestionCan a hornet sting multiple times?Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.Yes, it can. It can go on to sting 5 and 6 times.
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Tips
- If you used an Epipen before emergency medical help arrives, inform them. [17] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to sourceThanks
- If you or someone in your family is allergic to stings, take precautions to deter wasps and hornets from your property.Thanks
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Warnings
- If there is any further reaction (trouble breathing, severe swelling, etc.), go to an emergency room or call emergency services immediately as some of these incidences can be life-threatening, especially if allergic to wasps or hornets. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/insect-stings
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/insect-bite.html
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/insect-stings
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/treatment/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/top-treatments-for-kids-bee-stings-and-bug-bites/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/tOBbtzHan8k?t=113
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/insect-stings
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682793.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/
- ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/wasp-sting
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603002.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you need to treat a wasp or hornet sting, elevate the affected area and remove any tight-fitting clothing. Place an ice pack or wrapped ice cubes over the sting and hold it in place for about 10 minutes. You can repeat this as many times as necessary until the pain and itching subside. You can also place a gauze bandage soaked in vinegar on the area to help neutralize the alkaline sting. If the person experiences difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or loss of consciousness, call for emergency help right away. Keep reading for advice from our medical reviewer about alternative remedies to treat a sting, like toothpaste or honey.
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Reader Success Stories
- "I had a sting on the bottom of my foot. I started having cold sweats severely but no other symptoms than the usual pain and minor swelling. I put ice in an ice bag pack and placed it on the floor, then put my foot on top of it. After about 30 minutes with switching use of ice off and on for 10 minute intervals, it is already feeling and looking much better. I had a previous wasp sting on my ear in the cartilage area and it hurt for over 6 months to the touch with no other symptoms. " ..." more
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"I had a sting on the bottom of my foot. I started having cold sweats severely but no other symptoms than the usual pain and minor swelling. I put ice in an ice bag pack and placed it on the floor, then put my foot on top of it. After about 30 minutes with switching use of ice off and on for 10 minute intervals, it is already feeling and looking much better. I had a previous wasp sting on my ear in the cartilage area and it hurt for over 6 months to the touch with no other symptoms. "
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"My son recommended me ring 111 after a dozy hornet sting yesterday while gardening. As I recently had heart intervention, he was concerned the shock and pain would give an extreme reaction. The advice I received wasn't much help, but they put my mind at rest nevertheless. I only went to the web this morning, and tried the toothpaste remedy, which so far have partly neutralized the pain and itching. So grateful for your advice, so clear and helpful. Thank you."
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"While watering plants on my deck, which I do every day, I felt pain in my left hand. A very large hornet was crawling over my hand, stinging at will. By time I got him off, I had six stings on the back of my left hand and one on the index finger. It's been two days now and my hand and fingers are still very swollen, hot, painful and terribly itchy. This article answered my question about how long the symptoms will last."
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"Wish I'd discovered wikiHow before taking myself and my multiple stings to the doctor! Steroid shot did nothing; med put me to sleep. Meantime, that awful combo of itch and pain felt like an attack by a fire-ant sniper team! This article identified my attackers as hornets, told me what to do instantly and over time--so much valuable information! Bravo, wikiHow!"
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"My husband was stung in 5 places. Having the article available for him to see helped stop the "How about...?" debate. The vinegar helped tremendously. Luckily, I have kept a few long sleeves from worn tees just for this reason. They hold the ice in place (safety pin bunching), and he was able to finish cutting grass."
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