What is the typical duration of symptoms after a wasp sting?

Duration of Symptoms After a Wasp Sting

Most wasp sting symptoms resolve within 24-48 hours for typical local reactions, while large local reactions can take 5-10 days to fully resolve. 1

Types of Reactions and Their Duration

Local Reactions

• Typical local reactions include:
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Itching and pain at the sting site 2
• These symptoms are usually self-limiting and resolve within a few hours without treatment 3

Large Local Reactions

• Characterized by:
  • Swelling greater than 10 cm in diameter
  • Increase in size for 24 to 48 hours after the sting
  • Takes 5 to 10 days to completely resolve 2, 1
• These reactions are usually IgE-mediated but are almost always self-limited 2

Management of Symptoms

For Local Reactions

• Cold compresses can help reduce local pain and swelling 2, 1
• Oral antihistamines may reduce itching 2
• Oral analgesics can help with pain management 2, 1
• Topical lidocaine may provide local pain relief if the skin is intact 1

For Large Local Reactions

• Same treatments as local reactions, but may require longer duration
• Monitoring for 48-72 hours for signs of infection or delayed reaction is recommended 1

Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention

Be alert for systemic reactions, which can include:

• Cutaneous symptoms (urticaria, angioedema)
• Respiratory symptoms (bronchospasm, upper airway obstruction)
• Cardiovascular symptoms (arrhythmias, hypotension)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Neurological symptoms (seizures) 2

Systemic reactions typically occur within 10 minutes of the sting and require immediate medical attention 3

Special Considerations

• Patients with a history of systemic reactions should carry injectable epinephrine 2, 1
• Rarely, delayed complications can occur, including:
  • Vasculitis
  • Serum sickness
  • Neurological complications 4, 5, 6
• Multiple stings can lead to more severe and prolonged symptoms 4

Prevention of Future Reactions

• Clean the area by washing with soap and water to prevent secondary infection 1
• Patients who have experienced a systemic reaction should be referred to an allergy specialist 1
• Wear protective clothing and use insect repellents in high-risk areas 1