Management of a hornet sting

Fact Checked

Hornets are insects and the largest eusocial wasps. Some species have the length of 5.5cm and they have a stinger that is used to kill prey and defend their hives. Hornet stings are very painful to humans than any typical wasp stings since the venom of the hornet contains large amounts of acetylcholine.

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A hornet can sting multiple times and their stingers are not barbed and not pulled out of their bodies. An adult hornet feeds on nectar and sugar-rich plants foods and they can be seen on the sap of oak trees, fruits that are rotting as well as honey and sugar-containing foods.

Hornets are social insects that live in colonies and form hive in houses, trunks of trees and dark places. Hornets have stingers for self-defense and they do not sting unless provoked.

Symptoms of a hornet sting

Hornet sting
There is a burning pain immediately after the sting and pain can be felt on the affected area
  • Stings of hornets are poisonous and the sting contains acetylcholine which is a chemical known to spread pain signals to human brain.
  • There is a burning pain immediately after the sting and pain can be felt on the affected area
  • The sting will cause swelling and welts. The swelling can become hot and red, and a tiny white dot can be seen in the area that is swelling.
  • The swelling increases in size in 1-2 days.
  • A hypersensitive reaction to hornet stings is a severe form of allergic reaction which is called anaphylaxis and the symptoms are generalized and not limited to the site of the sting. The symptoms of anaphylaxis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
  • The usual symptoms includes swelling of the lips, face and under the eyelids, and sometimes the throat is swelling and there is difficulty in breathing and swallowing, low blood pressure and the affected person feels volatile

Treatment and home remedies of hornet sting

  • Avoid removing the stinger with tweezers since it can push the remaining venom present in it inside the body due to the pressure created when removing the stinger. Take a card and slowly slide the card near the stinger to remove it out of the skin.
  • Apply an ice pack over the affected area or place ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply it over the area in order to minimize pain and swelling.
  • Take over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve the pain and itching.
  • Use vinegar to counteract the effects of venom by immersing cotton with vinegar and place it on the stinger for 10-15 minutes in order to counteract the venom inside.
  • Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water and apply it over the affected area for 10 minutes in order to minimize the swelling and itchiness.

If the individual has a history of anaphylaxis, seek medical help immediately. Being prepared with measures to perform during an allergic reaction is vital. All you have to do is register for first aid training today.

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