What happens if you leave a wasp sting untreated?

Quick Answers

Leaving a wasp sting untreated can lead to increasingly severe symptoms and complications, especially if you are allergic to wasp venom. While most people will experience only local reactions like pain, swelling, and itching at the sting site, others may develop systemic allergic reactions that require emergency care. Potential complications of untreated wasps stings include severe swelling, infection, tissue damage, and anaphylaxis which can be fatal if not treated promptly with epinephrine.

Getting stung by a wasp can be a painful nuisance for many people. The initial sting causes a sharp pain and burning sensation. A localized reaction typically occurs afterwards with redness, swelling, itching, and warmth around the sting site. For most people, the pain and swelling subside within a few hours or days as the venom is metabolized and the body’s immune response diminishes. However, leaving a wasp sting completely untreated can lead to potentially serious complications in some cases.

What Happens at the Sting Site?

When a wasp stings, it injects a tiny amount of venom through its stinger into the skin. This venom contains several active components including:

• Histamine – Causes local inflammation and swelling.
• Acetylcholine – Causes pain and irritation.
• Dopamine and norepinephrine – Increase pain signaling.
• Phospholipase A – Breaks down cell membranes and tissues.
• Polypeptide toxins – Destroy cells and cause tissue damage.

In most cases, the venom triggers a localized reaction at the site of the sting as the body’s immune system responds. This includes:

• Pain – Caused by acetylcholine in the venom.
• Redness and warmth – From increased blood flow to the area.
• Swelling – Due to histamine and inflammatory mediators.
• Itching – Caused by inflammation and histamine.

The swelling around a wasp sting can become quite large, even up to several inches across. This is the body’s normal inflammatory reaction as immune cells, fluids, and proteins rush to the area to try to neutralize the venom. The swelling typically peaks around 24-48 hours after the sting and gradually subsides over 3-5 days as the reaction wanes.

Risk of Infection

Infection is a potential complication of untreated wasp stings, especially if the sting site is manipulated or scratched. Bacteria can enter through the puncture wound created by the stinger and cause an infection in the skin and tissues under the sting. Signs of a possible infection include:

• Increasing pain, swelling, warmth, and redness at the sting.
• Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the wound.
• Red streaks extending from the sting site.
• Swollen lymph nodes near the sting.
• Fever and flu-like illness.

Left untreated, the infection can progress leading to a skin abscess or spread into deeper tissues, the bloodstream, and potentially cause sepsis. Seek medical care if signs of an infection develop after a wasp sting.

Allergic Reactions to Wasp Stings

In people who are allergic to wasp venom, a sting can trigger a dangerous systemic allergic reaction. When an allergic person is exposed to the venom again, their immune system overreacts by releasing massive amounts of chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream. This can cause:

• Hives and itchy rash.
• Swelling in areas beyond the sting site.
• Shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness.
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Dizziness, fainting.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

In severe cases, plummeting blood pressure causes anaphylactic shock which can lead to death very quickly if untreated. Seek emergency medical care immediately if an allergic reaction to a wasp sting develops.

Signs of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with epinephrine. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat.
• Weak pulse, dizziness, confusion.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Sever itching, hives.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
• Loss of consciousness.

Treatment for Wasp Stings

Most wasp stings can be treated at home with the following methods to relieve discomfort and prevent potential complications:

• Remove the stinger – Use a scraping motion with a fingernail or credit card to detach the stinger from the skin.
• Wash the area – Clean with soap and water to remove venom and decrease risk of infection.
• Apply cold – Use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling, pain, and itching.
• Elevate the area – Raise the sting site above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
• Take antihistamines – Oral antihistamines like Benadryl can help reduce itching and swelling.
• Use topical creams – Creams with lidocaine, hydrocortisone, or calamine lotion can provide relief.
• Avoid scratching – This can spread venom and increase swelling and risk of infection.

See a doctor for severe reactions with extensive swelling, signs of infection, trouble breathing, dizziness, racing heart rate, or widespread hives. They can provide prescription medications, or epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

Risk Factors for Severe Reactions

Certain people are at increased risk of having a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to wasp stings. Risk factors include:

• Prior severe allergic reaction to wasp or other insect sting.
• History of asthma or other allergic conditions.
• Outdoor occupations with higher exposure to wasps.
• Having 5 or more stings at the same time.
• Being a child or elderly adult.

People at high risk should see an allergist for venom immunotherapy shots to reduce the risk of a serious reaction with future stings. They should also carry injectable epinephrine at all times.

When to Seek Medical Care

You should seek prompt medical care if you experience:

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction like trouble breathing, swelling of the lips/tongue, feeling faint, chest tightness, wheezing, or hives.
• Extensive swelling that continues to enlarge beyond the sting site.
• Facial or throat swelling that impedes breathing.
• Severe pain that is not controlled by over-the-counter medications.
• Signs of infection like worsening pain/swelling, pus, red streaks, swollen glands.
• Sting inside the nose or mouth with swelling that could block the airway.

Emergency medical care is needed for potentially life-threatening allergic reactions to prevent respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and other deadly complications. Do not wait to see if symptoms get better on their own.

Preventing Wasp Stings

You can reduce your risk of getting painful wasp stings by:

• Avoiding areas where wasps are known to nest.
• Wearing shoes and long sleeves when outdoors.
• Keeping food and drinks covered or inside.
• Not swatting at wasps and making sudden movements if one flies near.
• Checking for nests around your home and having them removed.
• Sealing openings in walls, roofs, or foundations that wasps can enter.
• Using insect repellent if needed.

Conclusion

While wasp stings are unpleasant and painful, most resolve without issue beyond some localized swelling, redness, and itching. However, leaving a wasp sting completely untreated can increase the risks of complications like infection, severe swelling, and serious allergic reaction in some cases. Seek prompt medical treatment if signs of infection develop or if you experience indications of a dangerous systemic allergic response like difficulty breathing, plummeting blood pressure, or anaphylaxis. With proper first aid and monitoring for any concerning symptoms, most wasp stings can be managed safely at home.