what to do when a wasp stings you

When a wasp stings you, here are the steps to take for treatment and care:

1. Remove the stinger if it's still present by carefully scraping it away with a blunt object like a credit card or pulling it out gently with tweezers. Avoid pinching the venom sac to prevent more venom release (wasps usually do not leave a stinger, but if present, remove it carefully).
2. Clean the affected area thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
3. Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the sting site for about 10-20 minutes. You can do intervals of 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
4. Keep the sting site raised if possible to minimize swelling and try to keep the affected body part still.
5. Take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
6. Use antihistamine medication or creams to relieve itching and swelling. Hydrocortisone cream can also help with itching and swelling.
7. Avoid scratching the sting area to prevent infection.
8. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near the sting site to avoid constriction due to swelling.
9. If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat, seek emergency medical help immediately. Use an epinephrine (EpiPen) injection if you have a known allergy to wasp stings and call emergency services right away.
10. Seek medical advice if the sting is in the mouth, throat, or multiple stings occur, or if symptoms worsen or signs of infection appear like increasing redness, pus, or severe pain.

Home remedies such as applying aloe vera gel, lavender oil, or a paste made of baking soda and water can provide soothing relief, but best results come from the steps above. In summary, prompt cleaning, cooling, pain and itch relief, and watching carefully for allergic reactions are key to managing a wasp sting safely at home. For severe allergic reactions, immediate emergency treatment is critical. These guidelines are affirmed by multiple health sources including mountsinai.org, webmd.com, NHS, and healthline.com.