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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Swollen Hands After Being Stung By A Wasp

I was stung by a wasp yesterday twice around 6 pm. After about an hour and a half my whole hand was swollen. The stinger did not get stuck in me. I took benadryl. Didn't help. I took Advil for the swelling, didn't help. Woke up this morning & the swelling was half way up my forearm. I was busy all day at work which made the swelling hurt. Came home and put my hand in hot water mixed with Epson salt. Didn't help. I don't have insurance so I don't want to go to the doctors. Can this be severe or will it blow over?
Wed, 4 Jan 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

As per your complain it seems that you have a localised but severe allergic reaction to the wasp sting and although stinger is not embedded in the skin but the toxic chemical present in the sting that has been injected under the skin is causing allergic reaction and swelling. Taking just a single dose of anti allergics will not necessarily resolve the symptoms.

I would suggest you to take anti allergics like Allegra and along with it anti inflammatory like Ibuprofen for at least 5 days. Do cool compresses over the swelling. Avoid putting any bandage or do not scratch the hand if there is itching. In case if the symptoms worsen or does not get better, consult an allergist and get evaluated.

Hope this information helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thanks and regards,
Dr. Honey Nandwani Arora
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Suggest Treatment For Swollen Hands After Being Stung By A Wasp

Hello and welcome to Ask a Doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. As per your complain it seems that you have a localised but severe allergic reaction to the wasp sting and although stinger is not embedded in the skin but the toxic chemical present in the sting that has been injected under the skin is causing allergic reaction and swelling. Taking just a single dose of anti allergics will not necessarily resolve the symptoms. I would suggest you to take anti allergics like Allegra and along with it anti inflammatory like Ibuprofen for at least 5 days. Do cool compresses over the swelling. Avoid putting any bandage or do not scratch the hand if there is itching. In case if the symptoms worsen or does not get better, consult an allergist and get evaluated. Hope this information helps. Let me know if I can assist you further. Thanks and regards, Dr. Honey Nandwani Arora