What is the proper care for a wasp sting?

Wasp Sting Care

For wasp stings, immediately clean the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling, and consider over-the-counter pain relievers for symptom relief. 1, 2

Immediate Management

• Remove the stinger promptly if present (though wasps typically don't leave stingers behind unlike bees)
  • Method of removal (scraping vs. pinching) doesn't matter - quick removal is most important 3
• Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water 2
• Apply cold compress or ice pack to reduce pain and swelling
  • Place a thin barrier between ice and skin 1, 2
  • Apply for 20 minutes at a time
• Elevate the affected area if significant swelling is present 2

Medication Options

• Pain management:
  • Oral acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief 2
  • Topical 2.5% lidocaine ointment may be applied for local pain relief 2
• Itch relief:
  • Oral antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine) 2
  • Topical hydrocortisone cream for itching

Monitoring for Complications

Watch for signs of:

1. Local infection:

   • Increasing redness, warmth, pain beyond 24-48 hours
   • Purulent drainage
   • Spreading redness beyond the immediate sting area 2

2. Systemic allergic reaction:

   • Symptoms typically occur within 10 minutes of the sting 4
   • Watch for: hives, widespread swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or loss of consciousness 5
   • This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment with epinephrine and emergency medical care 5

Special Considerations

• For patients with known insect sting allergies:

  • Should carry self-injectable epinephrine and know how to use it 2, 5
  • Consider medical identification jewelry 2
  • Refer to an allergist-immunologist for evaluation and possible venom immunotherapy 1, 2

• Rare but serious complications:

  • Multiple wasp stings can cause severe systemic reactions even in non-allergic individuals 4, 6
  • Skin and soft tissue necrosis can occur if local reactions are left untreated 7

Prevention Tips

• Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, pants) especially during outdoor activities 2
• Avoid bright colors and strong scents that attract wasps 2
• Use DEET-containing insect repellents (10-30%) 2
• Be cautious around food and drinks outdoors, as wasps are scavengers 1
• Be aware that wasps often build nests in shrubs and under eaves of buildings 1

When to Seek Medical Care

• Multiple stings (especially >10)
• Signs of infection
• History of severe allergic reactions to insect stings
• Stings inside the mouth or throat
• Signs of systemic reaction (difficulty breathing, widespread hives, dizziness)