wasp sting

[uk elephant]

During a very relaxing and calmin yoga session last week, I managed to lie down on a wasp and get stung at the top of my thigh. Hurt pretty bad at the time, but not unmanageable. Then after a day or two the pain went away and I forgot about it. Now it seems to have flared up again, a week later. Why?? It is red, hot and itching like mad. Cortisone cream seems to stop the itching for a couple of hours, but isn't making it look any better and the itching just comes back with a vengeance once the cream wears off. Any good suggestions for how to treat it? It's driving me bonkers!

[OakLeaf]

Ouch. I wonder if it's infected. If I were you I'd try warm compresses and topical antibiotics for a couple of days tops, and if it doesn't improve after that, see a doctor. JMO, IANAD, etc. etc.

[Biciclista]

I have noticed this with stings and bites, the first few days it's not so bad, but then the venom starts to spread and the itchy/sore parts get bigger and itchier.
One thing that helps me is hot cold hot cold.
I've been awakened at night by a week old insect bite/sting; i go into the bathroom and run cold water on it, then hot, then cold, then hot.

you get those nerves completely confused and you stop itching. it's magic.
and a little Benedryl or cortisone cream will help too.

[indysteel]

Sounds like it might be infected. I had an infected sting two years ago. Topical antibiotic won't do the trick. I had to take an oral antibiotic. I'd suggest you go to the doctor.

[solobiker]

This happended to me about 2 years ago too. I was stung by something, not sure what. I kind of forgot about it and within 4 days of the sting most of my upper thigh was red, swollen and very hot to touch. I ended up in the ER on IV antibiotics and they were talking about admitting me to the hospital. Luckily I was not admited. The dx was cellulitus. Keep an eye on it and go to the Dr would be my recommendation.

[solobiker]

I would avoid the "hot cold hot" as stated above until you know what you are dealing with. Doing something like that increases circulatoin with the use of heat therefore you may spread an infection if you have one.

[myjas]

I am the type of person mosquitoes love. So any time I have bites or stings I take Benedryl. Do be careful if you take it. It can cause drowsiness. When I was younger I was stung by a wasp above the eye and was prescibed Benedryl.

[Biciclista]

of course my remedy is not for infections. But for itches that keep you up at night, they're great. I am Miss itchy.

[solobiker]

Me too!! :):)