Although being outdoors is healthy and recommended thanks to different benefits that it offers to our body, such as eliminating stress, it is important to take certain precautions because you are exposed to various insects, some of which can leave a bite and cause different discomfort. Insects are more frequent during the summer, when the weather is warm, although a bite can be suffered at any time of the year, so it is important to take care of yourself and stay alert.
Although the most common is that you suffer from mosquito bites, which only cause itching and discomfort from having to be scratching frequently, you can also suffer bites from other insects such as the wasp or the bee, which can be a little more complex depending on each case. That is why if you do not know much about this, in the following FastlyHealarticle you will find abundant information on first aid for a wasp sting .
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Differences between bee and wasp
The most common sting is that of the bee, although it is only the females that sting. This insect can only sting once in its life because doing so leaves its stinger in the wound and then dies. Despite this, the sting of bees can be more important than that of wasps, although everything will depend on the person who receives it and where the wound is located on the body.
Generally, wasp stings do not pose a danger unless:
- The location is not a place of risk.
- It was just a sting.
- That the victim is not allergic to these insects.
Unlike bees, wasps can sting numerous times , causing local swelling and pain in the affected area. The sting may be white, surrounded by a soft red halo that returns to its normal state after a few hours.
In the same way, it is very rare for a wasp sting to produce serious alterations, however, it will depend on the number of stings, the sensitivity of the person who received the sting rather than the toxicity of the venom it contains, since it is not so dangerous for humans, and the location of it.
When to see a doctor for a wasp sting
The most dangerous bites are those that occur in the throat or at the base of the tongue , this is because it could produce a swelling in the back of the throat and make it difficult for air to pass or completely cover the upper airways, causing the victim can become asphyxiated if not treated in time. In general, all bites on the face can be dangerous, especially if they are directly in the eyes, nose or ears. In adults, between 400 and 500 bites can be fatal , although this only occurs when a large number of these insects attack and without having a place to protect themselves.
The American Academy of Dermatology assures that it is essential to see a professional if you have suffered a wasp sting and the following symptoms occur :
- The victim has breathing difficulties.
- The person has the sensation that the throat is closing.
- Swelling is seen on the tongue, lips, or face.
- You have chest pain.
- The heartbeat accelerates for more than a few minutes.
- You have dizziness or a headache.
- Vomiting occurs.
Wasp sting: treatment
To suffer from a wasp sting it is not necessary to be in the field, since these insects can be found flying anywhere or making nests in urban areas. When the wasp has stung someone, it is important to leave the site , take shelter and take into account the aspects detailed above to see a doctor urgently. If the symptoms are not severe, it is recommended to apply some care or first aid for the wasp sting , including:
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- If you see the stinger inside, remove it using tweezers that are completely clean and disinfected.
- Do not squeeze in the area to prevent the poison from spreading.
- Place an antiseptic.
- Place an ice pack on the area for about 10 minutes, then you have to remove it and put it back on after 10 minutes of rest to repeat the process.
- If you have itching, you can apply a cream to combat it.
- In case of intense itching, it is recommended to administer an oral antihistamine.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to First aid for a wasp sting , we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.