Yellow jackets don’t usually leave a stinger, but it’s a good idea to check for one. If the stinger is stuck in your skin, it can release more venom and make the sting hurt more. Ask someone to help you if you’re nervous or if you can’t reach or find the stinger.
Don’t scrub at the sting as this will likely irritate it. Wash it gently with your fingertips only.
Use an ice pack as needed to help reduce pain, itching, and swelling in the first 24 to 48 hours after getting stung.
Repeat this as needed daily to help manage the pain and itching.
Repeat this a few times daily to help reduce the itching and pain.
For example, if you use calamine lotion, apply the lotion to cotton balls and dab it onto the sting or stings.
If you’re still having a lot of pain after taking a pain reliever, call your doctor. They may be able to give you something stronger or administer a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine.
Ask what type of antihistamine your doctor recommends. Some common types include diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine, but they might recommend something else.
For example, if the child weighs 30 lb (14 kg) and they were stung more than 15 times, call for emergency services immediately.
A sting that gets redder over the next 2 days A sting that looks infected, such as by getting warm, swollen, red, and draining pus A swollen area greater than 4 in (10 cm) or over a joint, such as the wrist or knee
Hives, itching, and swelling in other areas of the body Abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Difficulty breathing or a tight feeling in the chest A hoarse sounding voice, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the tongue or throat
Dizziness Sharp drop in blood pressure Loss of consciousness Cardiac arrest
You should always carry the pen with you in case of an emergency.
