How to Treat a Wasp Sting at Home

A wasp injects its venom by stinging. This venom is poisonous in nature and may cause direct harm to the human body. However, the positive thing is that this injury is usually confined to the region close to the sting. The common symptoms of a wasp sting are swelling, redness, pain, itching, skin hives, and local infection. If you have got stung by a wasp, don't panic as from the following passages you will know how to treat a wasp sting at home. Have a look!

➜ Do not allow the spread of the wasp venom to other body parts. Lie down and lower the arm or leg, whichever body part has got stung, to keep it restricted to that particular region.

➜ You may tie a ribbon tightly at some distance from the stung area. This will also prevent the venom from spreading.

➜ The stung area may be itchy and irritating. Do not scratch, squeeze, or pinch it, else it may cause the venom to spread.

➜ To relieve the itchiness, apply corticosteroid or calamine lotion on the injured area at least 4 - 5 times a day. This is a very effectual remedy.

➜ In case you do not get any relief from the above method, you can take oral antihistamines. The medicine will reach the stung region through the bloodstream and treat the inflammation and itchiness faster.

➜ Keep the stung area clean. It will speed up the healing process. Wash the region with water and soap 3 - 4 times a day.

➜ You may soothe the affected skin by wrapping a cotton towel dipped in ice-cold water for about 15 minutes. Do not apply the ice directly as it may cause the skin to burn.

➜ Freeze some peas and wrap them in a clean towel. Tie it around the stung area for about 20 minutes everyday till the area is healed.

➜ To relieve the tenderness due to a wasp sting, you may take over-the-counter pain killers, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. However, before consuming these medicines, make sure that you don't have any allergies against them.

➜ An effective wasp sting remedy includes the application of Benadryl. Apply a few drops topically, once or twice a day, for fast recovery.

➜ Apply a paste of chilly or green clay on and around the stung area.

➜ One very efficacious home remedy involves the use of aloe vera gel. Spread it on the affected area and keep it on for 10 - 15 minutes. Do it twice a day to reduce swelling, itching, and inflammation on the stung skin part.

➜ Take a fresh flower of marigold and rub it on the injured skin. This is one of the simplest and natural remedies.

➜ Interestingly, a copper coin may also act as a remedy. Place it on the stung part for a couple of minutes for momentary relief.

➜ Take a slice of onion and rub it on the affected skin. It provides comfort and ease from tenderness and redness.

➜ Wasp venom is alkaline in nature. Its neutralization with acids like vinegar will ease the discomfort. Apply 1 - 2 drops of cider vinegar on the stung area for 20 - 25 minutes and then rinse it off with water. Do it 3 - 4 times a day for fast relief.

➜ Following the above-mentioned strategy of neutralization, take a teaspoon of baking soda or any other alkali and add 3 - 4 drops of water to it. Mix well to make a paste. Apply it on the stung area. Keep it overnight to reduce the redness and itchiness caused by the wasp sting.

➜ Meat tenderizer contains an enzyme called papain. It breaks down the protein constitution of the wasp venom thereby reducing its effectiveness. Mix a small amount of meat tenderizer with a drop of water and apply it on the affected skin. Cover it with a dressing so that it does not get rubbed off.

Usually, the above-mentioned cures provide enough relief and comfort from a wasp sting. Still, if you happen to find no or little comfort by trying them out or are experiencing serious symptoms, like excessive pain, vomiting, nausea, etc., then do not rely on the above-mentioned treatments and seek medical assistance as early as possible.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.