If you've ever come across a wasp or a hornet, chances are it wasn't a good time. The effects of the sting persist for several annoying days, but can be alleviated with the correct care. Read on to find out what they are.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treating the Sting
Step 1. Keep your distance
Unlike bees, wasps and hornets do not die after they have stung and do not leave the stinger under your skin. However, they can sting several times. Before treating the sting, make sure you are no longer around.
Step 2. Lift the affected area and remove tight clothing
If the sting is on your legs, arms, hands, or feet, immediately remove any tight clothing, shoes, or jewelry. It would be more difficult to remove these items later when the area swells.
Lifting the leg or arm helps reduce swelling, and thus also the discomfort. If the sting is on the leg, lie down as soon as possible
Step 3. Ice the affected area
The best thing you can do is put ice on the sting. Don't waste time on pharmaceutical remedies, or grandma's remedies, just wrap some ice in any cloth and leave it on the area for 10 minutes. Remove it when the skin gets too cold (you will notice by yourself) and repeat the application after short intervals. The pain and itching will subside immediately.
Use an ice pack, wrap ice cubes in a towel or whatever you have in the freezer. It is advisable to wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin
Step 4. Apply some vinegar to the sting
Soak a cotton ball or paper towel in the vinegar and rub it on the sting. The stings of wasps and hornets are alkaline and, as a result, can be neutralized by an acidic substance such as vinegar. You may need to repeat this after a few minutes as the vinegar dries quickly.
You could soak a bandage in vinegar and put it on the affected area. Change it every few hours or as needed. This will allow you to always have vinegar on the wound
Step 5. Take an antihistamine (Cetrizine) or acetaminophen (Tachipirina)
These medicines help relieve itching, burning sensation (antihistamine) and pain (acetaminophen). Symptoms usually subside within 2-5 days; keep applying ice and take medication as needed.
Taking aspirin is not recommended for children under 18
Step 6. Keep the sting clean to prevent infections
Be sure to clean the wound regularly with soap and water. A sting is not a cause for concern if it does not become infected (or if you are not allergic); keeping the area clean dramatically decreases the chances of it turning into a more serious problem.
Step 7. If the stung person has an allergic reaction, call the ambulance immediately (118)
Anaphylactic shock is very severe. If the victim exhibits any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Respiratory difficulties
- Throat tightness
- Difficulty speaking
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- If the skin itches, tingles, swells, or becomes very red
- Anxiety or dizziness
-
Loss of consciousness
If it is anaphylactic shock and you have an EpiPen (Epinephrine) available, inject it immediately; the sooner you do, the better
Part 2 of 2: Alternative Remedies
Step 1. Use toothpaste
Another miracle remedy, second only to ice, is toothpaste. Its texture and effect fool the brain into believing the area is scratched; therefore also from the psychological point of view it gives relief. Dab a small amount of toothpaste on the sting, wait a few minutes and the symptoms will subside.
After about 5 hours - or when the relief wears off - you will need to apply it again. We all have toothpaste at home, and this remedy can be simpler than the ice pack
Step 2. If you have to improvise, spread honey on the sting
While not the best home remedy, it does help reduce symptoms and make you feel better, albeit only temporarily (for about an hour). the time it takes to get better care.
Other remedies, such as applying a tea bag or tobacco, are not very effective
Step 3. Consider using medications, but don't get addicted
There are many products on the market for treating stings, but none of them are as effective as ice. If you're curious, here are some details:
- After Bite Stick is an ideal tube for camping or outdoor trips, but it is not particularly effective.
- Caladryl can help, but other creams are fine too. The relief, however, is only temporary. Hydrocortisone creams are ideal, but Caladryl is the best.
