Definition
One speaks of a wasp sting when a wasp penetrates the skin of a person with its sting and injects its poison into the skin. This usually happens as part of a defensive reaction by the insect, either when the wasp is directly threatened (for example, when you step on it) or when the wasps’ nest is threatened. Unlike bees, wasps do not have barbs on their sting and can sting several times without the sting getting stuck in the skin.
The human body normally reacts with a local reaction in the form of pain and later itching, swelling and redness. Normally, the pain of a wasp sting is bearable and subsides after a short time. Swelling and itching usually persist for several days. In rare cases, a significant allergic (anaphylactic) reaction can occur, which can lead to life-threatening conditions. Even in the case of non-allergic patients, stings in the mouth and throat area or in the neck should be treated quickly and a clinic should be consulted, as the swelling of the airways can cause breathing difficulties.
Therapy
Normally, therapy for wasp stings is not necessary. In the acute situation, an attempt can be made to remove the wasp venom with a suction stamp or by squeezing. It should be avoided to suck out the poison with the mouth!
The sting should also be examined roughly. Normally there is no sting in the skin anymore. If there is a sting, it should be removed carefully with tweezers, then the puncture site should be disinfected with a suitable wound disinfectant.
When removing the sting, care should be taken, since poison still contained in the sting may be pressed into the skin during removal. In case of great uncertainty, the family doctor can be consulted. The site of the puncture should be cooled with ice afterwards.
Further therapy is not necessary. However, it is possible to apply an ointment that helps against insect bites – such as Fenistil®. There are also special bite healers available in the pharmacy, which can destroy the components of the poison by local heating, but they are only effective if applied immediately after the bite has occurred.
Furthermore, there are many household remedies that can bring relief. Scratching the sting should also be avoided in case of itching. After a wasp sting it is normally not necessary to see a doctor.
However, if signs of an acute allergic reaction appear, an emergency doctor should be called immediately. A doctor should also be consulted if the puncture site swells excessively (more than 10 cm in diameter) or there is no improvement after more than five days. As already mentioned, even if there is a great deal of uncertainty about pulling the needle out, a family doctor can be consulted.
If the puncture site is infected and, for example, pus forms on the puncture, a doctor should also be consulted to have the infection assessed. Normally a wasp sting is not dangerous. Only with over one hundred stings at once it becomes life-threatening for the non-allergic person.
First of all the area of the wasp sting should be cooled for a few minutes. The earlier the better. Cooling can also help against itching later.
In addition, one also hears that heat (for example in the form of a hot spoon) helps to destroy the poison – this is true in principle, but it is generally discouraged, because usually either the heat is not great enough or burns can occur. The same principle is followed by antistick pens from the pharmacy. These can be used until shortly after the sting and prevent a protracted course.
Other household remedies help mainly by having an anti-inflammatory effect. Onion slices can be placed on the sting, or the sting can be carefully dabbed with honey or vinegar. These two can be helpful against itching.
However, if contact with one of these substances should sting, then it should be avoided and the area should be rinsed thoroughly with clear, cool water. Plants and herbs from the garden can also be helpful – for example, the application of lavender flowers, but also of ribwort leaves, daisy flowers or sage leaves can help.However, these should only be used if no open area is visible at the puncture to avoid contamination and infection of the wound. There are several homeopathic ways to treat a normal wasp sting and to relieve the symptoms.
However, if there are signs of an allergic reaction, the emergency doctor should be alerted. In general, Globuli Apis mellifica C30 are considered the first choice for insect bites (especially stings of wasps, bees and hornets). It is recommended to take three Apis C30 globules as soon as possible after the sting, additional treatment such as cooling and various household remedies can further alleviate the symptoms.
The globules can especially help to reduce the swelling. As an alternative to internal use, the globules can also be dissolved in boiled water and applied to the sting. A wasp sting often hurts badly during the first minutes after the sting.
Normally, the pain subsides after three to eight minutes. In general, the puncture site should still be cooled, as the cold not only helps against the swelling, but also acts as a natural painkiller. Later in the course of the procedure, the sting is often characterized by itching rather than pain.
In this case, an antihistaminic ointment or gel such as Fenistil® can be applied. Cooling or one of the household remedies listed above can still be used. A painkiller is normally not necessary, but if the pain has not gone after hours, ibuprofen can be taken in small doses (one 200mg tablet for adolescents and adults).