We all can agree on the painful experience when a wasp stings. Because of painful experiences, we all fear wasps. The pain of a wasp’s sting fades away in a couple of hours, but a few people may experience an allergic reaction to the sting from a wasp. Many people ask why wasps sting for no reason, but there is always a reason behind it. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss a few questions regarding wasps sting, their symptoms, and how you can get rid of it. Let’s get started:
What does a wasp sting look like?
It might be difficult for you to tell whether you have been stung by a bee or a wasp, or if any other insect has bitten you. For this reason, it is important to know what a wasp sting looks like and what the symptoms are. If you have been stung by a wasp, then it will keep its stinger, according to experts. On the other hand, if you have been stung by a honey bee, it would leave its stinger on your skin. As a result, you will notice a little black spot in the sting.
Symptoms of a wasp sting
If a wasp stings you, you may experience the following symptoms:
Normal local reactions
You may notice a raised welt around the area where a wasp stings. In the centre of the welt, a small white mark may appear where the stinger stung. Generally, swelling and pain reduce within a couple of hours of being stung.
Large local reactions
People with large local reactions may be allergic to the sting of a wasp but it doesn’t mean they experience life-threatening symptoms. Local large reactions may include swelling and redness that increases for 2 or 3 days after the sting.
Anaphylaxis
The most worse allergic reactions to the sting of a wasp are referred to as anaphylaxis. It occurs when people go into shock after getting stung by a wasp. It is suggested to seek help from a doctor immediately. The following are symptoms of a worse allergic reaction:
Severe swelling of the lips, face, or throat
Dizziness
Sudden low blood pressure
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Nausea or vomiting
You may not experience all of the above symptoms, but you may experience at least some of them after subsequent wasp stings.
Why does a wasp sting for no reason?
Wasps are not intentionally stinging you, even though they may feel that way at the time. Wasps almost usually use their attacks as a kind of defence. Yes, they do hunt and immobilise prey with that stinger.
Wasps are aware that humans are far bigger and more powerful than they are and do not belong in their food chain. Humans are nothing more to wasps than a danger to their nest.
Wasps attack humans because they believe they are in danger, which is why they sting. Even the chemical released by wasp stings is detectable by other wasps.
Other wasps will swarm the area when they see it and join them in attacking the offender. Getting to this point requires a lot of work, but everything happens for a purpose.
Do wasps die when they sting you?
Unlike bees, wasps don’t die when they sting you. In fact, they can sting multiple times, multiple people during their lifetime. A wasp’s stinger is different from a bee’s stinger. It can be used repeatedly. The Stinger of a wasp is smooth and doesn’t stay in the person’s skin. When it detects a threat to its life, it can attack again and again.
How many times a wasp can sting before it dies?
Wasps can sting you lots of times without suffering any consequences for them other than the greater danger of being swatted, in contrast to bees who are quickly injured when stinging. Nevertheless, as they go through the process, they run out of poison, which limits how much they can inject into their victims.
How to get rid of a wasp sting?
Many people ask how to treat a wasp sting at home. Well, before going to the doctor, you can follow first aid to get rid of a wasp sting. However, still, it is recommended to visit a doctor because you may be allergic to a wasp sting. Don’t completely rely on first aid because it may help some people to relieve stinger’s pain, but some people may have to visit a doctor.
Wash the affected area with soap and water to prevent a skin infection.
To get rid of pain and swelling, apply a cold compress.
You can take an over-the-counter painkiller as prescribed by your doctor.
How to treat a wasp sting on your dog?
First of all, give your dog fresh water and carefully notice if they develop any symptoms. If swelling increases dramatically after the sting, visit a veterinarian immediately. If your dog has been stung by a wasp multiple times, treatment must start quickly to reduce the risk of damage to other parts.
How long does a wasp sting last?
Most wasp and bee stings can cause symptoms such as discoloration and swelling that may increase about 48 hours after the sting. The pain and burning sensation usually only last 1-2 hours. Discoloration can remain for 3 days, and swelling may persist for up to a week.
Conclusion
It might be difficult for you to identify whether a bee stings you or a wasp. However, there are a few differences mentioned above that can help you know who has stung you. If you notice symptoms are making you feel uncomfortable and increasing, ensure to seek help from a doctor. Don’t avoid the pain because it may lead to worse allergic reactions. Moreover, you can subscribe to Personal Care N Heal to get such information through our blogs.
