Is it Normal for a Wasp Sting to Itch Afterwards?

One of the most painful common mistakes people can make is to disturb a wasp nest. The penalty can be one or more painful stings and the injection of venom, a toxin that can cause pain, redness, swelling of the skin and itching. Don't worry --- the itching, in almost all cases, is a temporary condition that should fade in a matter of hours, or sooner. But on rare occasion, the itching can signal a more serious response.

Cause

• The stab of the stinger, or lancet, is what causes the immediate pain. But it's the venom injected by the lancet of the paper wasp, yellow jacket or hornet that can be blamed for the longer-lasting discomfort. Surface swelling, redness and itching occur most often as a "local reaction," meaning that it's confined to the site of the sting. Less commonly, wasp sting victims suffer a more serious "systemic" or whole-body allergic reaction, which can include itching caused by skin hives.

Treatment

• While acetaminophen or ibuprofen usually provide adequate pain relief, such topical treatments as calamine lotion, hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines can effectively reduce the swelling and handle the itchiness. The application of ice also offers temporary itch relief while reducing swelling. Regardless of whether the sting is treated, the pain, itchiness and other symptoms should usually begin to recede within hours. But if multiple stings occur and the victim is very young, elderly, in poor health, known to be allergic to bee or wasp stings or suffering shortness of breath or other symptoms, dial 911 or seek immediate emergency room care.

Serious Reactions

• Serious itching, accompanied by surface bumps all over the body --- not just at the sting site --- can be the sign of hives. Skin hives are a symptom of an allergic response to the wasp sting. Less than 3 percent of the adult population is allergic to bee or wasp stings, which means their immune systems are overly sensitive and they could suffer a more serious systemic response. In addition to nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing, the allergic victim might also experience the itching and discomfort of skin hives. Allergic reaction usually occurs within minutes of the sting, but it can take hours or --- more rarely --- even days after the wasp attack.

Prevention

• The easiest and most foolproof "treatment" for wasp stings is to avoid the risk altogether. When picnicking, keep food covered and be careful around garbage containers. Avoid dark-colored clothing while out in the woods because darker colors attract wasps. Scented personal products also act as wasp magnets, so try to avoid scented perfumes, suntan lotions, soaps and other products when outdoors. And in the presence of wasps, stay calm and avoid swatting or other quick motions that can draw an attack response.