How to Treat a Wasp or Hornet Sting

Introduction

The sting of a wasp or hornet is considered venomous. Quick removal of the stinger and proper follow-up care will help reduce pain and minimize swelling of the site.

By: eHow Health Editor

Length: 1:31

Comments: 39

View more articles by this author

Flag | RSS

(224)

Add to Favorites

URL:
Embed:

Instructions

Text Size: – +

Print Article

Difficulty: Moderate

Tips & Warnings:

If you have experienced a severe reaction to any type of sting or bite in the past, you may be allergic to stings and bites. If you are, your doctor will provide you with a hypodermic syringe filled with epinephrine. Carry this syringe with you whenever you go outside.
If you notice pus or severe redness/swelling 24 hours after being stung, you may have an infection. See a doctor.
Go to the emergency room immediately if you have any signs of severe reaction or anaphylactic shock following any type of sting or bite: confusion; nausea and vomiting; swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and/or area around the eyes; wheezing; difficulty breathing or talking; or loss of consciousness.
If you experience any severe reaction to a sting, or are attacked by a large number of wasps or hornets at once, get medical help immediately.
If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Step1

Remove the stinger. Scrape a dull butter knife against your skin in the opposite direction of the stinger entry. It should pop out. Some sources recommend removing a stinger with tweezers. However, this method can potentially inject more venom into your skin as you attempt to pry and prod out the stinger.

Step2

Reduce pain and swelling with ice. Try to avoid putting ice directly on skin, because it can cause a flesh burn. Instead, use an ice pack or wrap a washcloth around the ice. Remove it after 10 to 15 minutes and dry the site thoroughly.

Step3

Use a topical antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride, available in cream, stick or gel.

Step4

Opt for a topical anesthetic for pain not relieved by antihistamine. Consider topical lidocaine or benzocaine.

Step5

Apply a topical hydrocortisone cream to reduce allergic reaction around site.

Step6

Take an oral analgesic, like ibuprofen, for general pain that may result from venom circulating throughout your bloodstream.

Step7

Consider applying moist baking soda or mud to the sting site. Although there is no scientific evidence that these remedies work, some people find that they provide relief.

Comments

cmjoiner said

Flag This Comment

on 11/15/2008 My husband got stung in the hand by a hornet hiding in his rubber boot. We first tried hydrogen peroxide then, when that didn't work, wiped it and applied two coats of WD-40. Almost immediate relief of pain and swelling. Good tip Whitney96...thanks!!!

veganroots said

Flag This Comment

on 8/24/2008 my 3 1/2 yr old stepped on a hive yesterday and was stung 17 times by *wasps* and we found 4-5 stingers. after three popsicles, a trip to the ER and lots of sting gel she's doing great. But, my god, what a crazy trip..

(we're sure they were wasps since we found five in the house)

Whitney96 said

Flag This Comment

on 7/25/2008 WD-40 works the best I was bite twice by a Wasp today and tried mud no relieve at all I sprayed a little WD-40 on my bite and had instant relieve the swelling, bite marks and redness are gone I applied it again 20 minutes later only because I had washed it off, 7 hours later and no pain or anything (it also works on yellow jacket bites)

khanslits said

Flag This Comment

on 6/10/2008 Wasps and hornets do not leave their stingers behind. They keep their stingers and can sting you again and again! Only honey bees leave their stingers in your skin and they can only sting you once per bee because of this. Although your video is help for treating a sting in general, you might want to make this clarification.

amagination said

Flag This Comment

on 9/3/2007 Do not use bleach... it is caustic to skin and natural healing of cells and can hurt the cells that help the healing process. Running water can clean most wounds. (I believe the previous poster that it may have felt better but it may have just been coincidence or the flushing with liquid).