We have had a wasp nest outside our house all summer, and I avoided doing anything about it as they weren’t bothering us and I don’t like killing any animals for no reason... but now I wish I had! I got bitten by three of them (they literally went for me!) and I ended up in A & E 24 hours later as they had become infected and so inflamed!
So what should you do if you are stung? I had no idea and did nothing, but according to the NHS website here is what you should do:
- Remove the sting if it's still in the skin.
- Wash the affected area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or cloth cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.
- Raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling.
- Avoid scratching the area, to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they're unlikely to help.
If your discomfort from the sting persists, then you could try the following:
- For pain or discomfort – take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 years of age shouldn't be given aspirin).
- For itching – ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments, including crotamiton cream or lotion, hydrocortisone cream or ointment and antihistamine tablets.
- For swelling – try regularly applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area, or ask your pharmacist about treatments such as antihistamine tablets.
For more information visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/treatment/
Hope that might help a bit of you are unlucky enough to get stung!