Wasp stings can be especially painful and may cause mild or more serious reactions in some people. Treatment depends on your reaction.
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At first glance, a wasp sting might look similar to other insect bites or stings. Wasp stings are usually swollen and red and might feel warm to the touch.
There’s typically a red mark that looks like a pen prick in the center of the sting, Tania Mucci-Elliott, MD, a clinical instructor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, told Health.
Unlike most insect bites, a wasp sting is particularly painful. Wasp stingers contain venom, which is transmitted during the sting.
Wasp sting symptoms depend on whether you are allergic to wasps.
A mild reaction usually causes a pink or red, swollen patch of skin at the site of the sting. You may feel itching or pain, which usually goes away within a few hours.
Some people develop a more moderate reaction to wasp stings. Symptoms may include:
- Decreased blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Stomach cramps
Do Wasps Leave Stingers in You?
Wasps do not typically leave their stingers in your skin when they sting you. In fact, they can sting you multiple times. The more times they sting you, the more venom they transmit into your skin.
A wasp sting can cause a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, if you are allergic to wasps. Signs of anaphylaxis include:
- Collapse (from shock)
- Diarrhea
- Hives
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Stomach cramps
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
- Trouble breathing
Mild wasp stings typically resolve on their own within one week, but anaphylaxis can be fatal if untreated.
If you’re allergic and stung repeatedly, the reactions could get worse with each sting.
You can treat a wasp sting at home as long as you do not develop a severe allergic reaction.
Here’s how to treat a wasp sting at home:
- Remove the stinger: If the stinger is lodged in your skin, carefully flick it out without squeezing it, as this could release more venom.
- Wash the site: Use water and gentle soap.
- Apply a cold compress: This helps keep the swelling down.
- Stay still: Keep the affected area still to keep the venom from spreading. Loosen any tight clothing and jewelry.
- Reduce pain and itching: Try an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like Advil (ibuprofen) for pain. Dr. Elliott recommended keeping the area elevated and using the Cutter BiteMD Insect Bite Relief stick to help with pain and itching.
See a healthcare provider if you have moderate to severe symptoms, such as:
- Abdominal and chest pain
- Anxiety
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Feeling dizzy and lightheaded
- High-pitched breathing sounds
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling of the eyes, face, and tongue
- Trouble breathing and swallowing
- Unconsciousness
Dr. Elliott advised, “Try to avoid areas where there will be wasps, like the eaves of houses.”
Other ways to prevent wasp stings include:
- Do not wear bright-colored clothing or fragrances in places where there may be wasps.
- Cover any food and drinks outdoors to avoid attracting wasps.
- Check for wasps’ nests in your backyard, but never place your hands or feet in places where they normally hide, such as hives and nests.
- Try to avoid provoking wasps by swatting at them.
- Use gloves while gardening.
- Wear shoes and socks while walking on grass.
