Updated September 10, 2024
If you’ve just been stung by a bee, wasp, or yellow jacket, you have my sympathies. That really sucks.
Besides the instant pain of a sting or bite, you might even have a mild allergic reaction. This reaction could result in swelling, redness, and pain, especially if the insect left a stinger. The acute discomfort will likely go away within a few hours. You can also expect your symptoms to start fading in one to two days.
If swelling lasts longer than 48 hours, it's important to get medical help. If you are allergic or have had a severe reaction to a bee sting before, you should possibly visit urgent care.
Try help with the pain from a wasp sting, you can try these remedies. They can also be used to treat a bee sting, especially if the swelling lasts beyond a couple of days.
Determine if You Have an Allergic Reaction to the Insect Sting
First things first. This is an important one. You need to determine if you are having a serious allergic reaction to a honey bee or hornet sting. This may become evident a few hours after the bee sting.
Bee and wasp stings are often painful and irritating, even for people who aren't allergic. Luckily, these situations are usually not life-threatening. Most wasp sting reactions are isolated to one area and are mild. Yet it's important to watch the area and look for any evolving symptoms over the next three days. Some individuals may experience a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This is especially true in the case of a honey bee sting, as they can leave a stinger embedded in the skin. Tragically, symptoms of this condition can be life-threatening. So it's critical to ensure prompt treatment.
Understanding Delayed Reactions
Swelling from a wasp sting can get worse after 48 hours because of delayed hypersensitivity reactions. This is when the immune system responds to the venom after an initial exposure. This can cause redness and discomfort. If it worsens after 48 hours, seek medical advice for proper treatment.
There are many symptoms of anaphylactic shock. This may include shortness of breath, tightness in the throat, dizziness or passing out, rapid heartbeat, and nausea. If you have any of these symptoms after a wasp sting, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if left untreated.
If you have allergies or anaphylactic shock, you must have epinephrine on hand.
Individuals conscious of their bee allergy usually carry an EpiPen. This is a preventive measure for possible emergencies involving an anaphylactic reaction. These can occur even hours after the injury.
The EpiPen is a tool that helps people give themselves a shot of epinephrine. This offers an efficient method for soothing anaphylaxis symptoms. This is particularly pertinent if a bad reaction to a bee sting occurs. Even if the EpiPen is used, people should still call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. They may need first aid, further medical care, and observation there. They may need first aid, further medical care, and observation there. It's important to stay vigilant, as there may be an increase in the swollen area after 48 hours.
If you usually feel uncomfortable after being stung, you should be worried. A rash or hives developing at the site within hours is often telling. These symptoms suggest an allergic reaction brought on by insect bite allergies. So, seeking medical help might be necessary.
Your symptoms develop later on. If the pain continues for over 48 hours, start treatment as soon as you can.
Symptoms of a Wasp Sting
The symptoms of a wasp or bee sting may depend on your body's reaction. Stings usually make the area where you were stung red, swollen, itchy, and painful. In some cases, wasp stings can cause severe allergic reactions. It's very important to watch your symptoms for any signs of a bad reaction.
If you have trouble breathing, vomiting, or feel faint after a wasp sting, get medical help right away. If you experience all these symptoms, get help right away.
Remove the Stinger
If a wasp stings you, the first step is to quickly remove any stinger in your skin. To cut the poison in the stinger, large local reactions can be reduced as well.
The Difference Between a Bee and Wasp Sting
While bees die after stinging something, wasps can sting many times. This makes it easier for them to cause a widespread reaction if they sting many times in one area. A wasp's stinger venom is stronger than that of bees. It can cause more drastic reactions and symptoms.
What to Do with Swelling from a Wasp Sting After 48 Hours
First things first. Don't panic.
Next:
Watch for Delayed Swelling
If the wasp sting is swelling after 48 hours or the pain is getting worse, it could mean you're having a severe reaction or even an infection. This is when it's important to consider professional medical care. Delayed swelling can lead to complications if not properly addressed.
Natural Remedies for Persistent Swelling
There are some natural remedies that may be able to help reduce swollen areas of the body. A paste made from baking soda and water can help cancel out the venomous poison and reduce itching. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can also be applied to the affected area to help with healing.
Keep the Area Clean
After removing the stinger, clean the area with soap and water to lessen bacteria. If your wasp sting is still swelling, it can keep your skin from healing. Any reaction to poison from the stinger that remains on the site can make it feel worse.
To remove venom or dirt, use a clean cloth to gently wipe the affected area until there is no more residue or pain. To ease discomfort while wiping, apply ice or cold water to the area. This will numb the area and make it easier to clean.
Apply Ice Packs to The Sting Area
To lower swelling, apply a cold ice pack or wet towel to the area for 10-15 minutes every two hours. The cold temperature will reduce pain and swelling and numb the area. This works by slowing down the blood flow, which also helps slow the swelling from a wasp sting.
If you don’t have ice packs, you can use a frozen bag of vegetables wrapped in a towel to help with pain and swelling.
Take an Anti-Inflammatory Medicine
If you are stung by a bee or wasp, your doctor may give you anti-inflammatory medicine as a treatment. It will help you avoid a severe allergic reaction and reduce pain, red skin, and swelling in the area.
Stings can be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). These can help control the swelling and pain associated with a wasp sting. The recommended dosage for adults is typically 200-400 mg of ibuprofen or 220-440 mg of naproxen every 4-6 hours. Be sure to not go over the maximum daily dose.
Speaking to a healthcare professional is important. If you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications, they need to know. Anti-inflammatory drugs can interact with certain medications and may have side effects.
A doctor may also give you a corticosteroid injection. This can reduce allergic reactions caused by the sting. It can also help reduce the persistent swelling.
Home Care After Seeing a Doctor
Even after going to a doctor, continuing to check the sting site is essential. Keeping the area clean and applying ice packs as needed can help lessen the chance of more swelling. Applying a mild antibiotic ointment can prevent infection. Taking prescribed medications as directed will ensure a quick recovery.
Soothe the Pain
To ease pain quickly and effectively, try using a product like Dermeleve®. Dermeleve® is mainly used to treat itching, but it also works well to calm stinging pain on the skin. Dermeleve® is a topical pain reliever that works quickly when applied right to a sting, making it an effective treatment for a bee or wasp sting.
Users often feel results in as little as five minutes, and experience relief for up to six to eight hours.
Apply a thin layer of Dermeleve® directly to the affected area and gently massage it into the skin. Reapplication can be done every 4-6 hours as needed for relief. Dermeleve® is generally safe for repeated use, because it doesn't have steroids. This means you can use it for a long time without worrying about serious side effects or withdrawal symptoms.
Stay Hydrated to Reduce Swelling
When you have a bee sting or wasp sting, your body releases water so it can release swelling and histamine. Staying hydrated will help decrease swelling in the area of a mild to moderate wasp sting. As a matter of fact, hydration is the key to flushing out toxins and supporting your body’s natural healing processes.
Water is the best choice, but flavored drinks like Gatorade can also keep you hydrated and fight dehydration.
Hydration isn't just limited to beverages. You can stay hydrated by eating fruits and vegetables with lots of water, like strawberries, pineapple, and cucumbers. In fact, some studies have shown that drinking water-rich fruits and vegetables can be just as effective as drinking plain water.
Know When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek emergency medical help if you have severe symptoms. This can include breathing problems, swelling in your face or throat, or a rapid heartbeat. This could be a severe allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Contact a Physician if Your Sting is Still Swelling After 48 Hours
If the swelling around the sting gets worse after 48 hours, or if it gets larger than 10-centimeters (4-inch) in diameter, seek medical attention. A doctor can diagnose the cause of the swelling and recommend further treatments. They might recommend an antibiotic cream to prevent infection. Or they might suggest a corticosteroid shot to reduce inflammation.
Persistent swelling may also be a sign of cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that requires antibiotics. It's crucial to be seen by a doctor to avoid complications and ensure a full recovery.
Symptoms such as excessive red skin, warmth, or streaking around the sting area may mean you need to see a doctor. These could mean an infection. If the swelling is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, or body aches, you need to be seen by a doctor.
If you have a bee sting allergy, get to a doctor fast if you get stung. Your condition could get worse if it isn't taken care of quickly.
Remember, it's a good idea to contact a physician even if you feel fine, just in case.
Recap and Prevention Tips
Let’s recap. Many people are afraid of bees and wasps. Unfortunately, sometimes getting a bee or yellow jacket sting is unavoidable.
To lower the risk of being stung by a wasp, avoid wearing bright colors or perfumes, as these can attract wasps. When spending time outdoors, wear protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts and pants, and wear shoes. If you encounter a wasp nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, contact a professional pest control service for safe removal.
Learning how to avoid bothering these insects can greatly lower your chances of being stung. For instance, avoid waving your arms or swatting at wasps, as this can make them angry.
If someone is at risk of a severe reaction they need immediate medical help after being stung. Most people will only have a mild reaction and the swelling will usually go away on its own.
Wasp stings are usually harmless, but it's important to watch out for signs of infection. Infection can occur if the area is not properly cleaned or if the venom causes an adverse reaction. Watch out for changes in skin color, warmth, swelling, or streaking, or pus around the sting. If you think you have an infection, get help from a doctor quickly. Antibiotics may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
To treat a bee or wasp sting, apply a cold compress and take anti-inflammatory medicine. Use Dermeleve® to soothe pain and itch, and stay hydrated. If your swelling persists for two days or more, or if you have an allergic reaction, it is recommended to go to a doctor.
To treat your bee or wasp sting quickly and effectively, follow these steps. Then, you can go back to enjoying the outdoors!
Want to learn more? Check out our YouTube video all about Wasp and Bee Stings!
FAQs
Q: How can I treat a bee or wasp sting if it's still swelling after 48 hours?
A: If the swelling around the sting site is still there after a couple days, see a doctor. Nonstop swelling can be a sign of a more severe reaction or infection that requires medical attention. If you have a sign of an allergy or infection, see a healthcare professional for treatment.
Q: What are the different types of reactions that can occur from a bee or wasp sting?
A: A bee or wasp sting can cause three types of reactions: local, large local, and systemic. When you get stung, the area hurts, turns red, swells, and itches. Bad reactions involve more extensive swelling, often spreading beyond the immediate sting area. Allergic reactions, called systemic reactions, can be mild or severe. They may cause hives, breathing problems, dizziness, or anaphylaxis.
Q: What is anaphylaxis and how is it related to bee or yellow jacket stings?
A: Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction. It can happen when someone gets stung by a bee or a yellow jacket. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment with epinephrine can reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis and save lives. Anaphylaxis can cause shortness of breath, swelling, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fainting. Epinephrine is used for anaphylactic shock and should be taken as soon as possible after a sting.
Q: Can I treat a bee or wasp sting at home?
A: Most stings from bees or wasps can be treated at home with simple remedies. First, get the stinger out if it's still embedded in the skin. Clean the area with soap and water, then apply a cold compress or calamine lotion to lower the swelling. You can take pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help reduce the pain. Home remedies like applying a paste of baking soda and water can help in neutralizing the venom. But if you have more symptoms or if the swelling doesn't go away, get medical help.
Q: How can I tell the difference from a normal reaction and an allergic reaction to a bee or wasp sting?
A: A normal reaction to insect stings include pain, redness, swelling, and itching at the site of the sting. These reactions usually subside within a few days. If the symptoms spread beyond the sting area or get worse, it could be an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions have worse symptoms that will move beyond the site of the sting. Swelling, itching, breathing problems, and dizziness are all signs of an allergic reaction. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help because you might have an allergy to bee stings.
Q: Are there any home remedies that can help relieve the swelling and pain associated with a bee or wasp sting?
A: Yes, there are some home remedies that may help ease the swelling and pain from a bee or wasp sting. Applying a paste made of baking soda and water to the area can help. Additionally, using honey or aloe vera can soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Placing a cold compress or ice pack on the sting site can also provide relief. But remember, home remedies may not be enough for serious allergies or infections. If that happens, get medical help.
Q: Should I delay seeking medical attention if I am allergic to bee stings?
A: If you have an allergy to bee stings, don't wait to get medical help if you have severe symptoms. Immediate action is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Remain calm and move away from any remaining insects that could continue to sting. If possible, go inside and close the windows and doors to prevent other insects from entering. Allergies can quickly get worse and possibly lead to anaphylaxis. So it's important to treat them promptly with medicine like epinephrine. This can save lives. If you're allergic to bee stings, it's best to always have an epinephrine auto-injector. This is a key treatment for a bee sting allergic reaction. Use it right away if you have an allergic reaction.
Q: Can a bee or wasp sting cause a serious allergic reaction even if I have never had a reaction before?
A: Yes, a bee or wasp sting can cause a serious allergic reaction, even if you've never reacted before. It's important to watch out for any signs of an allergic reaction. This is especially true if you have been stung many times or are stung in a sensitive area. Allergies can start anytime. When you get stung for the first time, your body can react in a way that causes allergies when you get stung again. This is why it's critical to be aware of the symptoms and treatments for insect sting allergies. It's important to know what the signs of an allergic reaction are. If you are having a bad reaction. get emergency medical treatment if needed.
Q: What should I do if I have a bee or wasp sting and develop hives or other allergic symptoms?
A: You should contact a physician if you get stung and it starts swelling, or you have other symptoms. Prompt medical attention can prevent the reaction from escalating. If you have allergic reactions to insect stings, you may need to get treated right away. Take antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine. These will help you to feel better and stop the reaction from getting worse.
Q: Should I talk to my doctor about bee or wasp stings and how to treat them?
A: It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about wasp or bee stings. This is especially true if you have an allergy or had extremely bad reactions before. If you get stung by a wasp or a bee, ask your doctor for advice. They can offer help on how to prevent and care for future stings, if you have any. They can tell you when to see a doctor and how to use an EpiPen if needed. If you have a severe allergy to wasp or bee stings, they might suggest allergy testing. This can help avoid a serious reaction.