There are thousands of varieties of wasps; most are tiny and do not sting.
This article explains wasp sting symptoms, treatments, and when to seek medical care.
Fernando Trabanco Fotograffia/Getty Images
The most well-known and feared wasps in the U.S. are yellow jackets and hornets.
Fernando Trabanco Fotograffia/Getty Images
These are social wasps, meaning they live in colonies and are known for theirpainful stings.
Symptoms
Wasp stings are similar to other insect stings.
However, wasp stings can be more painful.
Symptoms include:
Most people do not need medical attention when they are stung.
Signs of Allergic Reaction
Wasp venom can cause anallergic reactionin some people.
Signs include those listed above, confusion, weakness, and a sense of pending doom.
Always seek emergency medical care for any sign of an allergic reaction.
Between 2000 and 2017, 1,109 people died from hornet, wasp, and bee stings.
Treatment
As long you are not having a severe reaction, you cantreat wasp stingsat home.
However, there are some notable differences between bee and wasp stings.
Bees are furry-looking and have a wide body with short legs.
Wasps and hornets have skinny bodies, narrow waists, and are hairless.
Prevention
you’ve got the option to’t always prevent run-ins with wasps.
So if you are stung, leave the area right away.
Severe Complications
Severe complications from wasp stings can includeanaphylaxisand toxicity from the venom of multiple stings.
If you were stung numerous times or show signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.
Summary
Wasp stings cause a painful, itchy welt.
Since wasps can sting repeatedly, there is a risk of venom toxicity from multiple stings.
Some people have severe allergic reactions to wasp venom.
Usually, it’s possible for you to treat wasp stings at home.
If you are stung repeatedly or develop anaphylaxis symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
A Word From Verywell
Like most people, you have a healthy fear of wasps.
If you are with someone who was stung, stay calm and get them inside to avoid more stings.
Allergic reactions happen quickly, usually within minutes to an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Severe pain from a wasp sting can last a couple of hours.
Swelling may last up to a week, which can cause additional discomfort.
A wasp sting will appear as a red, raised welt with a puncture hole in the middle.
Over time, the area may swell and look red or bruised.
Unlike bees, wasps can sting repeatedly.
When a wasp stings, its venom releases a pheromone, calling other wasps to the battle.
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Przybilla B, Rueff F.Insect stings: clinical features and management.Dtsch Arztebl Int.
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