If you get stung by a yellow jacket, there are several things you can do to alleviate the pain and swelling. Here are some tips from the search results:
- Remove the stinger, if present. Yellow jackets dont usually leave stingers in your skin, but if you see one, use your fingernail or a credit card to scrape it off.
- Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress wrapped in a towel or washcloth to the affected area for at least 10 minutes to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Mix up a paste of water and baking soda and apply it to the sting with a cotton swab or ball to help neutralize the venom.
- Apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream or baking soda paste to the sting for 20 minutes to relieve itching or swelling.
- Take an oral antihistamine or apply an over-the-counter antihistamine cream to the sting.
- If you have a severe allergic reaction to yellow jacket stings, carry an Epi-Pen and seek immediate medical attention.
Remember that if you experience any of the following symptoms after a yellow jacket sting, you should call 911 or seek immediate medical attention:
- History of severe allergies to yellow jacket stings
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
- Hoarseness, coughing, tightness in the throat
- Problems swallowing
- Drooling
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Too weak to stand
- Sting inside your mouth or eye
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- More than 5 stings for a child
- More than 10 stings for an adult
