From the Guidelines
To treat a wasp sting on your finger, immediate removal of the stinger by plucking or scraping is crucial, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. When a wasp stings, it injects venom into the skin, which can cause pain, swelling, and itching.
- Remove the stinger as soon as possible by plucking or scraping, as this can be beneficial in reducing the amount of venom injected into the skin 1.
- Wash the area with soap and water to remove any remaining venom residue, as suggested by the guidelines 1.
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in cloth for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and pain, which may be considered for local pain relief 1.
- For itching and swelling, over-the-counter oral antihistamines can be used, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25-50mg every 4-6 hours or cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10mg once daily, as recommended by the guidelines 1.
- Topical corticosteroids, such as 1% hydrocortisone cream, can also be applied to the sting site 2-3 times daily to reduce inflammation, as suggested by the guidelines 1.
- For pain relief, administration of over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6 hours may be considered, as recommended by the guidelines 1. It is essential to monitor the affected area for signs of infection or severe allergic reactions, such as increased redness, swelling, or difficulty breathing, and seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur, as the guidelines recommend activating the emergency response system in cases of anaphylaxis due to a bee, wasp, or hornet sting 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Adrenalin® is available as a single-use 1 mL vial and a multiple-use 30 mL vial for intramuscular and subcutaneous use. Emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I), including anaphylaxis, which may result from allergic reactions to insect stings, biting insects, foods, drugs, sera, diagnostic testing substances and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
For the treatment of a wasp sting on the finger, epinephrine (IM) may be used in cases of anaphylaxis. The decision to administer epinephrine should be based on the presence of signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as:
- Flushing
- Apprehension
- Syncope
- Tachycardia
- Thready or unobtainable pulse associated with hypotension
- Convulsions
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea and abdominal cramps
- Involuntary voiding
- Airway swelling
- Laryngospasm
- Bronchospasm
- Pruritus
- Urticaria or angioedema
- Swelling of the eyelids, lips, and tongue 2
From the Research
Wasp Sting Treatment on Finger
- The treatment of wasp stings, including those on the finger, typically involves symptomatic relief of acute symptoms 3.
- Local reactions to wasp stings can be treated with measures to reduce pain and swelling, although specific treatments are not detailed in the provided study.
- In cases of large local reactions or systemic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, more comprehensive medical attention is required, including potential immunotherapy for individuals with a history of severe reactions to wasp or bee stings 3.
- It is essential for individuals who have experienced systemic reactions or large local reactions due to insect allergy to take permanent measures to avoid further allergen contact and to be prepared to treat themselves adequately if stung again 3.
- For most patients with systemic anaphylactic reactions to bee or wasp stings, specific immunotherapy is necessary to protect them from further potentially life-threatening reactions 3.