Since when have wasp stings itched?
By GreenMoo
@GreenMoo (11833)
July 6, 2008 8:13am CST
A couple of days ago I got stung about 4 times by a wasp on the back of my left hand. My hand swelled up as you'd expect, but now it's all returned to normal apart from this astonishing ITCHING.
It's driving me completely demented. You can just see the little sting marks on my hand, but they itch unbelievably. They're far worse than any of the mosquito bites I'm always getting.
Last night I was lying awake scraping the back of my hand agaist the bedroom wall as the plaster is rough to get some relief.
I used to get stung quite often, but this is the first time the stings have turned itchy. Has this happened to anyone else before?
3 people like this
11 responses
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
6 Jul 08
Are you sure they were wasp stings? I don't believe I've ever been stung by a wasp, but I know my husband did a couple years ago right on the jaw. It was horrible pain, but I don't remember him ever itching.
1 person likes this
I didn't realise at first, which is how come it managed to sting me so many times!@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
6 Jul 08
Oh that's awful. We have a lot of bees and wasps nests around here too, although I believe we've finally gotten rid of the majority of them.
1 person likes this
@Elixiress (3878)
•
6 Jul 08
I think that that is normal. Have you tried putting some antiseptic on it to kill any infection that might be making it itch? Also I have heard that Sudocreme *sp* that people use for nappy rash on babies, is good for bites and stings and for basically everything else.
1 person likes this
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
7 Jul 08
Wasps and hornets don't sting they bite and can leave a venom in the bite. That is probably what is making the bites itch. I have been bitten by wasps and have had the itch come back after I thought it was healed. Some ant bites will do the same. Putting some wet baking soda will help draw out the venom. I use Avenoo to relieve the itch.
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@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
7 Jul 08
Sure! That's just another symptom
of a histamine reaction.
The stinger might still be caught in
the hand.
If you take it out, be careful not to
squeeze it or you will release more venom.
You need a good anti-itch cream or
Benedryl which will take down the
histamine reaction.
Just talk to your doctor first before
taking any medication as some people
with high blood pressure aren't supposed
to take Benedryl or cold medicines!
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@GreenMoo (11833)
•
7 Jul 08
I'm happy to say that I've woken this mornign with my hand entirely back to normal. It was just strange as it's something I've never experienced before, although I've had many many stings. Perhaps something to do with the positioning or number, but I don't care now that it's gone!
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
7 Jul 08
my wasp stings always did itch a lot and I am really'allergic to wasp stings so avoid getting anywhere around them if at all'
possible as they make it hard for me to breathe and itch and'
hurt so bad. I never go close to any wasps if I see them in
time.
1 person likes this
@lilaclady (28206)
• Australia
6 Jul 08
yes it happened to me a few years ago, I got many bites and one of my fingures swelled up like a balloon, and I had many itchy spots for awhile, I got so scared when I got bitten I rang emergency and she asked me how long ago I had been bitten, she told be seeing it was over 20mins I was ok, apparantly if you are allergic to wasps you die within 20mins so she said at least I now know I am not allergic so I guess you aren't either, thats good to know...
@piasabird (1737)
• United States
7 Jul 08
Mine have always itched. Everytime I have ever gotten stung I have itched terribly. COunt yourself lucky that this is the first time it has happened to you. lol
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
6 Jul 08
I've only been stung once in my whole life and that was by a bee that I accidentally stepped on in bare feet. But it itches because your antibodies are rushing in to do war with the germs and icky things. Get some diphenhydramine (name brand=Benadryl) and that should help. Or put an ice pack on it for a few minutes. I've found that when a cut or something itches, washing it in cold water, or licking it when water isn't available, helps a lot!
1 person likes this
@GreenMoo (11833)
•
6 Jul 08
Thankfully the itching seems to be decreasing as the day wears on and the swelling continues to abate. I think it must have been something to do with the swelling, as the actual stings were several days ago now.
So long as it stops itching though, I don't care what caused it!
@Bluepatch (2476)
• Trinidad And Tobago
7 Jul 08
Yes, they do, not in the total sense, but as a background kind of thing.
I was once stung in my ear while riding my cycle in town and it did itch as well as pain.
In fact, it took quite a while for the sting to go away.
Yes, they do itch.
