Wasp Stings: Which Home Remedies Can Help?

Wasp stings cause swelling and are known to be very painful. If you have an allergic reaction, you should see a doctor immediately, but if this does not happen, various home remedies can alleviate the symptoms. Find out more about this topic today. 

Normally , pain caused by wasp stings  goes away  on its own after a few hours. However, various natural remedies can accelerate this process and bring quick relief. However, if you have an allergic reaction, you must see a doctor immediately.

Allergic reactions from wasp stings can turn into a medical emergency. Because it could lead to anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening. This is an acute reaction of the immune system that can lead to rash, shortness of breath, dizziness and organ failure.

Fortunately, allergic reactions from wasp stings are rare. Usually the symptoms are common, such as pain and swelling. These can be alleviated with home remedies. Find out more about it afterwards.

Wasp sting pain: these home remedies can help!

If wasp stings are causing pain, the first thing to do is to check to see  if the sting is stuck in the skin. If this is the case, it must be removed carefully and as quickly as possible. The best way to do this is to use tweezers.

You have to be very careful when doing this, as the poison contained in the sting could be forced into the skin when removed. If you don’t have tweezers on hand, you can lightly scrape the skin and then use a plastic card to remove the stinger.

Then the puncture site must be cleaned with water and neutral soap. If you have a disinfectant on hand, you can use it to clean the puncture site. 

A burning sensation and pain develop after a few minutes. You can calm these symptoms down with various home remedies. Although there is usually no scientific evidence for their effectiveness, it is worth trying.

Cold pack against swelling

A cold compress or ice pack can help reduce the swelling and pain that wasp stings cause. This is an excellent home remedy after disinfecting the puncture site. An article from the University of Rochester Health Library confirms that cold numbs pain and reduces swelling.

How can you use this home remedy?

• You have two options: moisten a towel with cold water and put it in a sealable plastic bag, which you then put in the freezer for 15 minutes. Then you can place this ice pack on the puncture site.

• A quicker and very easy alternative is to wrap a few ice cubes in a cloth and place on top. Never put the ice directly on the skin.

Essential oils for pain from wasp stings

The effect of essential oils on pain from wasp stings has not yet been scientifically confirmed. However, certain oils have long been used as home remedies to soothe pain and take advantage of their antiseptic properties. 

A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine confirms the antimicrobial properties of essential oils, which reduce the risk of infection.

How can essential oils be used on wasp stings?

• You can use tea tree, lavender, or rosemary essential oil to take advantage of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

• Mix one to two drops with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil.
• Then rub this mixture onto the puncture site two to three times a day.

Treat wasp stings with aloe vera

Aloe vera is a very safe and versatile plant. The real aloe gel is ideal as a supportive treatment against swelling and pain caused by wasp stings. 

From a study published in the medical journal Pharmacognosy Reviews , we can see that aloe gel has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This plant is also very helpful for wasp stings!

How can we use aloe vera on wasp stings?

• Cut a fresh aloe leaf lengthways. Then you can remove the gel and rub it on the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Repeat this procedure twice a day.
• You can keep the fresh aloe gel in the refrigerator for a few days.

Are there any other home remedies that can be used to relieve the symptoms?

In addition to the options mentioned, you can take other measures to relieve the pain after a wasp sting. Information from the Mayo Clinic suggests that  hydrocortisone ointments or antihistamines are very helpful. Both reduce redness and itching.

Zinc ointment and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help. Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist. If the symptoms do not improve or even get worse, you definitely need to see a doctor!