what to do for a yellow jacket sting

Here’s the quick scoop: wash the sting with soap and water, apply a cold pack, and take an over-the-counter antihistamine or pain reliever if needed. If you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, get emergency help right away.

What to do now

• Remove the stinger if it’s still there, using a scraping motion if possible.
• Clean the area with soap and water.
• Put ice or a cold compress on it for about 10 minutes at a time.
• Use an antihistamine for itching or swelling, and a pain reliever if it hurts.

Watch for danger

Seek emergency help immediately if the person has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, widespread hives, vomiting, or collapses. If an epinephrine auto-injector is available and the person is allergic, use it right away while waiting for help.

When to get help

Call poison control or a clinician if the sting is in the mouth or throat, if swelling is getting worse fast, or if you’re not sure whether it’s a normal reaction or an allergic one. MedlinePlus also recommends calling emergency services or poison control for sting concerns in the U.S.

Simple home care

• Keep the area raised if it’s on an arm or leg.
• Avoid scratching.
• A calamine product may help with itching.
• If pain or swelling keeps increasing after a day or two, get medical advice.

If you want, I can also give you a very short “what to do in the next 10 minutes” version.