Almost everyone knows what a wasp sting is. Its consequences have been known to many since childhood. Swelling, severe pain, itching, redness - this is a standard reaction to a bite. However, the effects of an insect attack are sometimes much more severe. And in this case, it is important to provide first aid to the sufferer correctly. Therefore, let's look at how to remove swelling from a wasp sting.
Important Features
Most often, a wasp sting provokes a rather unpleasant sensation, but not dangerous. The damaged area swells, begins to hurt, and then makes itself felt with severe itching. But after a few days, this symptomatology disappears on its own, even if no treatment has been undertaken.
However, there are such cases when a wasp sting leads to quite serious consequences, and sometimes deadly. It’s hard to say what the complications will be. After all, the consequences of a bite depend on individual sensitivity to the poison. No less important is the type of insect.
Therefore, carefully consider whether you became a victim of a bee or a wasp. The first is distinguished by a dense body and hairiness. Wasp is a slender insect. It is distinguished by light color and a minimum number of hairs. Below we will consider how to remove swelling from a wasp sting. If a bee stings you, then first aid will need a slightly different one.
Most people are not even aware of their sensitivity to insects. Therefore, it is extremely important that a person who is able to provide assistance correctly and know how to remove swelling from a wasp sting is close by.
The effects of an insect attack
Before we figure out how to remove swelling from a wasp sting, let's consider what complications a victim may face.
The most commonly observed symptoms are:
- burning, severe pain;
- redness of the cover;
- itchy skin;
- swelling of the tissues.
In addition, the severity of the consequences depends on the location of the bite. The most dangerous situations are when a person suffers from a face. If the bite fell on the mucous membranes or lips, then breathing can be significantly difficult. It is extremely unpleasant if the wasp stings in the eye area. This leads to severe swelling of the eyelid, lacrimation, various discharge may appear. This situation is sometimes complicated by panophthalmitis - inflammation of the membranes of the eye.
The clinical picture depends on the patient's age, individual characteristics and, of course, the number of bites. So, for example, pregnant women and babies, as well as people prone to allergies, are much harder to tolerate a “meeting” with wasps.
If a person has multiple bites, then the pathology is accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication:
- shortness of breath, heart pain, tachycardia;
- headache, sudden dizziness;
- fever, chills;
- abdominal pain, nausea;
- fainting state.
It is very important to know how to quickly remove swelling from a wasp sting in a person prone to allergy. Blisters and urticaria that have arisen on the body may indicate unpleasant symptoms. The rash is almost always accompanied by palpable itching.
Of particular danger is Quincke's edema, manifested by such signs:
- severe swelling of the eyelids, face, hands, lips;
- swelling of the mucous membranes is manifested by hoarseness, suffocation, barking cough, noisy breathing;
- the face becomes red, and then rapidly turns pale;
- sometimes coma or death develops.
Anaphylactic shock is very dangerous. This condition develops in seconds after a bite.
When is an urgent visit to the doctor necessary?
There are situations when the victim needs urgent medical attention. Any delay can lead to quite serious consequences.
Doctors warn that in the following cases, with a wasp sting, it is urgent to contact specialists:
- The victim develops an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or mouth, difficulty speaking, weakness appears, a rash is present on the surface of the skin, a faint occurs, or confusion occurs.
- A bite is observed in a child or an elderly person.
- The face in the area of the mouth, throat, eyes is affected.
- On the surface of the body more than 10 bites.
- Allergic reactions to wasps were previously observed.
- The patient has symptoms of intoxication: an abscess appeared at the site of the bite, pain intensifies, and fever develops.
Do not hesitate if an unpleasant reaction to the bite of a wasp or a bee develops. How to relieve swelling and save a person in such a situation, only a competent specialist knows.
First aid
What to do if a wasp sting does occur? How to relieve swelling? The photo in the article allows you to consider what symptoms the insect most often causes.
The very first and most important rule is not to panic!
It is necessary to act as follows:
- The poison that penetrates the tissue causes harm to the body. That is why try to suck it out of the wound.
- Now attach acid containing product to the stung spot. It can be a slice of lemon, apple slice or orange. Such products will neutralize the poison remaining in the wound.
- A cold object should be attached to the affected area: ice (in a bag), chilled metal.
Features of helping children
It is very important not to forget about bacterial therapy. This is a significant first aid link, especially if a child has a wasp sting.
How to relieve swelling in a baby? It is recommended that you follow all of the rules described above. But be sure to treat the affected area with antibacterial drugs. This will protect the wound from infection. After all, children very often comb the affected area.
For such purposes, you can use any antiseptic: hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green.
Medications
Continuing to figure out how to relieve swelling after a wasp sting, we will consider what measures the victim needs after the first aid is provided.
Initially, it is recommended to apply a compress to the affected area. It provides a slowdown in blood flow. Thanks to this, the poison will spread more slowly in the body. That is why it is necessary to apply a compress as early as possible. Apply a bandage on average for 30-50 minutes.
In addition, it is recommended to resort to the help of topical medications:
- Fenistil-gel. An excellent tool that relieves pain and itching, reduces the power of inflammation. The gel several times reduces the risk of allergies.
- Insectline. A great remedy that has anti-inflammatory properties and effectively eliminates pain.
- Menovazin. The solution is a relatively cheap antiseptic. Moreover, it has analgesic and analgesic effects.
- Gardex Family or Gardex Baby. Preparations for adults and children intended for the treatment of bites. Means are quite mild.
- Soventol. This ointment has an excellent analgesic property.
- Advantan. This gel is characterized by a powerful action that can inhibit the development of allergic reactions.
Folk remedies
Unfortunately, medications are not always at hand. Very often they are absent at the most necessary moment. What to do if a wasp sting "flaunts" on the body? How to relieve swelling?
Folk remedies can be a great solution in the fight against an unpleasant condition.
So, remember what folk “healers” may come in handy. It is recommended to apply such means to the affected area:
- slice of lemon;
- plantain leaf;
- parsley root (chopped);
- a piece of onion;
- clove of garlic (chopped);
- a napkin moistened with essential oil (natural).
The next compress will perfectly eliminate puffiness. Salt or baking soda is diluted with plain water in the proportion: 1 tsp. powder per 200 ml of liquid. With this tool, the tissue is moistened and applied to the affected area for 20 minutes.
Main mistakes
It is very important not only to understand how to quickly remove swelling after a wasp sting, but also to clearly understand what actions in such an event are unacceptable.
It should not be:
- Search for a sting. Remember, wasps do not leave him in a wound. Such actions only lead to the loss of precious time.
- Try to squeeze out the poison. Such an event will increase blood circulation. As a result, the poison will spread much faster throughout the body.
- Comb or pick a wound. In this case, you can bring the infection. The healing process will be quite complicated and delayed.
- Apply bite to the ground or cool the affected area in dirty water. Such measures can very quickly provide infection.
- Self-use strong anti-allergic drugs, such as "Diphenhydramine", "Loratadin." To reduce the manifestation of an unpleasant reaction, doctors recommend using the Suprastin tablet.
How to protect yourself from a bite
Of course, it is quite difficult to guarantee full protection against a bite, but it is quite possible to reduce the risk of meeting with wasps.
To do this, it is important to adhere to such rules:
- Going into nature, pick up calm tones of clothing. Hands, head and legs must be closed. Refrain from using perfume.
- Do not eat sweets, fruits, or berries outdoors.
- Do not encroach on the hives.
- If a wasp flies near you, do not make sudden movements, do not wave your arms.
A wasp sting is a rather painful and unpleasant problem. But, unfortunately, it is very relevant in the summer. Therefore, when planning to go fishing or nature, be sure to bring effective remedies for bites.