Hornet Sting Swelling: Treatment for Hornet Sting Swelling

Hornet Sting Swelling: Treatment for Hornet Sting Swelling









Being stung by a hornet can be extremely painful and the site can also swell to an abnormal size. There are many dangers to being stung by a hornet first of all because the hornet can sting multiple times and deliver more venom with each sting. Second, a hornet can trigger the whole colony to attack especially when threatened or attacked. Lastly, individuals allergic to wasp venom can experience a hypersensitivity or anaphylactic reaction that should be treated immediately.

Hornet Sting Swelling

• When a hornet stings, the individual experiences pain at the affected site.
  
  
  


• The sting triggers the body’s inflammatory processes and cause swelling at the site.


• When a hornet stings, it also leaves behind its stinger causing the area to swell even more as long as the stinger is present.


• Without medical intervention, it will take a long time for the swelling to subside on its own.

Hornet Sting Swelling Treatment

• The most commonly used treatment for swelling is an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride.


• This can be taken orally or used as a cream.


• Hydrocortisone creams also helps reduce the swelling as it is an anti-inflammatory drug.

Home Treatment for Hornet Sting Swelling

• Remove the stinger using a dull knife.
  
  
  Scrape the knife in the opposite direction of the stinger.


• Wash the site with clean soap and water.


• Apply meat tenderizers over the site to help break down the venom. Note that meat tenderizers should not be left on skin for a long period of time.


• Apply ice pack over the site in ten minute intervals.


• Apply medications as ordered over the site such as antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Also see Jellyfish Sting Treatment & Yellow Jacket Sting Swelling