Wasp stings can cause swelling and pain. Although you will have to be alert to possible allergic reactions, both symptoms can be improved with some home remedies. Discover them!
The pain caused by wasp stings usually improves on its own after a few hours. However, some seek remedies to calm him since the feeling is very uncomfortable. Fortunately, unless there are signs of allergic reactions, it is a symptom that can be improved at home.
Allergic reactions from these types of stings require immediate medical attention since there is a risk of anaphylactic shock, which is a severe reaction that can cause skin rashes, shortness of breath, dizziness, and other complications that can have a fatal outcome.
Fortunately, these types of reactions are rare and, most of the time, discomfort from these bites can be treated naturally, with home remedies and primary care. In the next space, we detail some options.
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Pain caused by wasp stings: useful remedies
Given the pain caused by wasp stings, it is important to learn how to act correctly. Thus, the first thing we should do is check if its stinger was inserted into the skin. If so, remove it carefully, gently scraping the surface of the skin with the edge of a card.
Then, we will have to clean the affected area with warm water and neutral soap. If we have an antiseptic on hand, it is an excellent time to use it. And what can we do against pain and swelling? After a few minutes, we can experience a burning sensation and pain.
To control these symptoms, we can resort to some calming remedies with natural ingredients. Of course, we must bear in mind that they provide temporary relief and are not always effective. Most of them come from popular literature, and there is no evidence of their effectiveness against this type of symptoms.
Cold compresses
The cold can decrease the pain of the sting and lower the inflammation of the area
Cold compresses are good options for relieving pain caused by wasp stings. The recommendation is to apply them once the affected area has been disinfected. According to a publication from the University of Rochester Health Library, cold decreases pain by numbing the attacked body region. In addition, it also lowers the swelling.
How to use them?
- To do this remedy, we have two options. The first is to moisten a towel with cold water and put it in a zip-lock bag. Then, we take it to the freezer for 15 minutes and, after this time, we apply it to the affected area.
- Another option, faster than the previous one, is to wrap ice cubes in a towel or cloth. Then we use them to massage the sting area gently.
Essential oils
To date, the evidence does not link the use of essential oils to the relief of pain caused by wasp stings. However, in the population, they have been used as a calming and antiseptic remedy.
According to a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, these oils have antimicrobial properties that decrease the risk of infection.
How to use them?
- To start, we can choose options such as tea tree, lavender or rosemary essential oil, which are characterized by their antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- When we have it on hand, mix one or two drops with half a teaspoon of carrier oil, which can be olive or coconut.
- We rub it on the affected area, two or three times a day.
Aloe vera gel
We can rub the aloe vera gel for 2 or 3 minutes on the region affected by the sting
In addition to being a safe ingredient to apply to the skin, aloe vera gel can serve as an adjunct to decrease inflammation and pain caused by wasp stings.
A study published in the medical journal Pharmacognosy Reviews notes that extracts of this ingredient have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it could be helpful in this type of discomfort.
How to use?
- First, we extract fresh aloe vera gel. Then we rub it on the area affected by the bite for two or three minutes.
- We repeat its use twice a day.
What else helps against pain caused by wasp stings?
In addition to the mentioned remedies, we can apply other measures to alleviate the pain caused by these bites. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, it is advisable to try hydrocortisone cream or take an antihistamine. Both measures help reduce redness and itching.
Using calamine lotion and taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is also helpful. The latter should be taken according to the recommendations of the doctor or pharmacist. In any case, if symptoms do not improve or become more severe, it is best to seek medical attention.