Wasp Sting: What You Need To Know

Most insect bites and stings are harmless and generally cause a mild skin reaction. A wasp sting, along with bee and hornet strings, is among the most painful insect stings. Bees and hornets have a barbed stinger and wasps have straight stingers, all of which are used for self-defense. The stinger contains venom, which is transmitted if a wasp stings you.

It's the venom that causes the pain you feel afterward. Some people develop mild reactions, which include itching, redness, and swelling. Others may have more moderate reactions, such as a rapid heart rate, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. People who are allergic to wasp stings can develop anaphylaxis, or a severe allergic reaction.

Does a wasp sting stay in you? Wasps do not usually leave their stingers in you. These insects have retractable stingers that can sting many times. Read on to learn about wasp stings, including what a severe reaction looks like and when to get medical attention.

What Does a Sting Look Like?

The local reaction of a wasp sting might not look too different than many other insect bites or stings at first glance. Wasp stings are usually swollen and red and might feel warm to the touch. There's typically a red mark that looks like a pen prick in the center of the sting, Tania Mucci-Elliott, MD, a clinical instructor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, told Health.

Symptoms of Wasp Stings

Wasp sting symptoms depend on whether you are allergic to wasps. A mild reaction usually causes a pink or red, swollen patch of skin where the sting happened. You may feel itching or pain, which usually goes away within a few hours.

Some people develop a more moderate reaction to wasp stings. Symptoms may include:

• Decreased blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Stomach cramps

Do Wasps Leave Stingers in You?

Wasps, unlike bees, do not have a barbed stinger, which allows them to sting you multiple times. As a result, wasps do not typically leave their stingers in your skin when they sting you. The more times a wasp stings you, the more venom transmits into your skin.

Severe Reactions 

A wasp sting can cause a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, if you are allergic to wasps. Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• Collapse (from shock)
• Diarrhea
• Hives
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Stomach cramps
• Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
• Trouble breathing

Complications 

Mild wasp stings typically resolve at home within one week. In contrast, anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction to a wasp sting and can be fatal if untreated.

The risk of complications increases if you are allergic and do not receive treatment quickly. You might be likely to develop a total body reaction if you're stung often and the reactions get worse with each sting.

Wasp Sting Treatment 

What should you do if you get stung by a wasp? You can treat a wasp sting at home as long as you do not develop a severe allergic reaction.

Here's how to treat a wasp sting at home:

• Remove the stinger: This is not usually the case, but carefully flick out the stinger without squeezing it if it's lodged in your skin. Avoid squeezing the stinger, which may release additional venom.
• Wash the site: Use water and gentle soap.
• Apply a cold compress: This helps keep the swelling down. Keep the affected area still to keep the venom from spreading. Make sure that you loosen any tight clothing and jewelry.
• Reduce pain and itching: Try an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like Advil (ibuprofen) for pain. Dr. Elliott recommended keeping the area elevated and using an analgesic like Cutter BiteMD Insect Bite Relief stick to help with pain and itching.

You may consider heading to your local urgent care clinic if you have been stung by multiple wasps. A healthcare provider can help you remove multiple stingers from your skin if they remain in (which is unlikely).

When To Seek Medical Treatment

Most people only have a mild reaction to a wasp sting. Still, the possibility of a severe allergic reaction is possible, especially if you get stung by a wasp for the first time. Check with a healthcare provider if you feel like something's off, even if you do not have any of the telltale signs of an allergic reaction.

See a healthcare provider if you have moderate to severe symptoms, such as:

• Abdominal and chest pain
• Anxiety
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Feeling dizzy and lightheaded
• High-pitched breathing sounds
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling of the eyes, face, and tongue
• Trouble breathing and swallowing
• Unconsciousness

Prevention 

It's important to simply be mindful of where you are hanging out when you are outdoors, said Dr. Elliott: "Try to avoid areas where there will be wasps, like the eave of houses."

Other ways to prevent wasp stings include:

• Do not wear bright-colored clothing or fragrances if you are going to places where there are wasps.
• Limit attracting wasps, as well as bees and hornets, if you are outdoors. Consider bringing covers for any food and drink items you bring with you.
• Regularly check for wasps' nests if you frequently notice the insects in your backyard. Never place your hands or feet in places where wasps normally hide, such as hives and nests.
• Try to avoid provoking wasps by swatting at them if possible.
• Use gloves while gardening.
• Wear shoes and socks while walking on grass.

A Quick Review

A wasp sting is typically painful and causes itching, redness, and swelling. Some people have only mild reactions, while others can develop severe allergic reactions. Seek medical attention right away if you develop severe swelling and trouble breathing after a wasp sting. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen since anaphylaxis can be fatal if untreated.

You can prevent wasp stings by avoiding wearing bright-colored clothing and fragrances outdoors, and not eating certain foods outside that attract wasps. Never place your hands and feet where hives and nests hide, such as tree stumps or holes in the ground. Keep an EpiPen on hand if you or your child have a history of anaphylaxis.