When someone is exposed to a wasp sting, generally an allergic reaction will occur, one of which is swelling. In addition to wasps, insect stings such as bees or fire ants can also trigger allergies. To find out how to treat a wasp sting that is already swollen, consider the following review.
Wasps, like bees, are animals equipped with stingers as a means of survival. The wasp's sting is venomous and is located in the female's abdomen.
Don't Underestimate Insect Stings
When you are stung by a bee or wasp, they will inject their venom into the part of your body that was stung. The poison will immediately cause damage in the area around the sting. If the bee stings, generally the sting is only done once. But in wasps, the sting to face the enemy can be done many times.
The symptoms caused when you are stung by a wasp include sharp pain or a burning sensation in the sting area, redness, swelling, and itching.
Although most wasp stings cause only mild complaints and symptoms, in some conditions, wasp stings can cause serious medical problems, such as anaphylactic shock, organ dysfunction, and even death.
This can occur especially in certain people who have allergies to insect venom. As a result, when stung by a wasp, the person's body will overreact to the incoming poison. Very severe reactions can lead to death within the first hour after the sting occurs.
How to Treat Swollen Wasp Stings
Treatment for wasp stings depends on the severity of the condition. It is important to note that there is no specific antivenom available against poisons stung by insects. However, there are several ways to treat an already swollen wasp sting, namely:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water to remove the venom.
- Cold compresses on the sting area to reduce pain and swelling.
- Keep the wound clean and dry, to prevent infection.
- Cover the wound with gauze if needed.
- Use hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or antihistamine medication if itching or skin irritation bothers you.
- Take painkillers, such as ibuprofen, if the pain from the sting is unbearable.
- Consider getting a tetanus shot a few days after the sting.
If anaphylactic shock occurs after being stung by a wasp, you will need an injection of epinephrine to stabilize blood circulation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if breathing stops for a moment, and administering oxygen and other medications such as corticosteroids or anti-allergics to help your breathing.
Because the symptoms that occur can be very severe, it's a good idea to know how to prevent wasp stings, especially if you do have an allergy to insect venom.
Steps that can be taken include wearing shoes and socks when outdoors, or wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants when in an area with lots of trees or in the forest.
If you are stung by a wasp, try to apply the method of treating an already swollen wasp sting as described above. However, if the swelling does not go away or you feel weak in a short time, immediately visit the nearest doctor or emergency room to get the right treatment.