What to do when your foot is throbbing after a wasp sting?

Treatment for a Throbbing Foot After Wasp Sting

For a throbbing foot after a wasp sting, immediately wash the area with soap and water, remove the stinger if present, apply ice or cold compresses, and take over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines to reduce pain, swelling, and itching. 1

Immediate Steps

• Remove any stinger as soon as possible by plucking or scraping (not squeezing) to prevent additional venom injection 1
• Wash the sting area thoroughly with soap and water 1
• Apply ice or cold compresses to the affected area for 10-20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling 1
• Take over-the-counter oral antihistamines (like diphenhydramine) to alleviate itching 1
• Consider over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief 1
• Apply topical corticosteroids to reduce local itching and inflammation 1, 2

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath 1, 2
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, or face 1, 2
• Dizziness or feeling faint 2
• Nausea or vomiting 2
• Widespread hives or rash 2

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to insect stings and have an epinephrine autoinjector, use it immediately if experiencing anaphylactic symptoms and call emergency services 1, 2.

Managing Large Local Reactions

If the throbbing and swelling extend beyond the immediate sting site and continue to worsen over 24-48 hours:

• Continue with cold compresses and oral antihistamines 1
• Consider taking a short course of oral corticosteroids if the swelling is extensive 1
• Elevate the foot to reduce swelling 2
• Monitor for signs of secondary infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus) 1

Important Considerations

• Antibiotics are not necessary unless there are signs of secondary infection, as the swelling is caused by allergic inflammation, not infection 1
• Unlike honeybees, wasps do not typically leave their stinger behind, but check carefully as ground-nesting yellow jackets sometimes do 1
• Large local reactions typically peak at 24-48 hours and may take 5-10 days to fully resolve 1
• The throbbing sensation is a normal part of the inflammatory response to the venom 3

Prevention of Future Reactions

• If you've had a significant reaction to a wasp sting, consider carrying an epinephrine autoinjector for future incidents 2
• Avoid bright clothing, flowery prints, and scented products when outdoors 2
• Be cautious near bushes, eaves, garbage containers, and picnic areas where wasps may nest 2
• If you experience repeated severe reactions to stings, consult an allergist for possible venom immunotherapy 1, 2

Remember that most wasp stings, while painful, are self-limiting and resolve within a few days with proper home treatment 4. However, always monitor for signs of anaphylaxis, especially within the first 30 minutes after being stung.