Wasp sting: what to do, how long it lasts and symptoms

A wasp sting is normally very uncomfortable, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, itching and intense redness at the site of the sting and, in more serious cases, shortness of breath and swelling in the face, which may indicate more serious allergic reactions.

Generally, wasp bites improve within a few days even without specific treatment. However, some people may be more sensitive to the venom and symptoms may take up to 7 days to disappear.

Although wasp stings can generally be treated at home, especially if symptoms worsen or are intense, it is recommended to seek an emergency room, and the use of medications such as corticosteroids and epinephrine may be indicated.

What to do in case of a bite

In case of a wasp bite, what you should do is:

1. Wash the area with soap and waterto prevent the entry of microorganisms through the bite, which can worsen the skin reaction;
2. Apply a cold compress to the bite site for 5 to 10 minutes. To do this, dip a compress or clean cloth in ice water, remove excess water and place it on the area;
3. Apply antihistamine ointment to bitessuch as Polaramine or Polaryn.

Applying the cold compress can be repeated several times during the day, whenever you feel the need to relieve swelling or pain. The ointment must be applied according to the doctor’s instructions, and may be recommended 3 to 4 times a day.

Normally, these steps are enough to alleviate the discomfort caused by the bite in a few minutes. However, especially if the pain does not improve or the symptoms worsen, it is important to go to the hospital, as it may indicate a more serious allergic reaction, which needs to be treated with specific medicines.

Generally, the wasp only bites when it feels threatened, so wasp nests that are out of reach normally do not cause any problems.

How long does it take to deflate

The wasp bite site usually takes around 1 day to deswell, especially after applying a cold compress. However, some people are more sensitive to insect venom and may have a more exaggerated reaction, which means the swelling may last longer, up to 2 or 3 days.

Although it is rarer, there are also people in whom the swelling may improve and worsen again after 2 days of the bite, remaining for up to 7 days. In these cases, in addition to applying a cold compress, you can also keep the bite site elevated, especially when sleeping, to speed up recovery.

Wasp sting symptoms

The main symptoms of wasp stings are:

• Intense non-local stinging pain;
• Swelling and redness;
• Burning sensation on the bite;
• Difficulty moving the bite site.

Normally, a wasp sting does not cause serious symptoms, however, some people may have a more intense allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, with symptoms such as swelling in the face, abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. See the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

If anaphylaxis is suspected, it is important to go to an emergency room for an evaluation and start the most appropriate treatment, which may involve the use of medications such as corticosteroids and epinephrine.

When to go to the hospital

In case of a wasp bite, it is important to go to the hospital when:

• The swelling takes more than 1 week to disappear;
• Symptoms worsen over time;
• There is great difficulty in moving the bite site;
• Symptoms such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing appear.

In these cases, it may be advisable to start treatment with medicines directly into the vein, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids and antibiotics, for example.