Dr. Arthur Balin answered Dermatology 48 years experience Wasp sting: If you are allergic to a wasp
Wasp
A wasp is any insect of the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita that is neither a bee nor an ant. The Apocrita have a common evolutionary ancestor and form a clade; wasps as a group do not form a clade, but are paraphyletic with respect to bees and ants.
Full Answer
How bad does an ASP Sting hurt?
Asp Sting Pain The pain from an asp sting has actually been referred to as an extreme, throbbing, burning type of pain. The pain normally subsides within an hour without treatment. The severity of the pain depends upon the dose of the venom or the number of hairs embedded on the skin.
How to treat ASP Sting first aid?
Asp Sting First Aid 1 Apply ice bag over the afflicted site. 2 Administer oral antihistamines to alleviate burning and itching sensations. 3 Apply tape over the afflicted site and pull to remove the hair or stingers. 4 See a doctor right away for allergic reactions, severe pain, or eye injuries. More items...
What does an ASP Sting look like?
Getting stung by an asp is an experience very few individuals will forget. The asp is known as one of the most dangerous stingers in North America since of its ability to deliver a severe sting. It is teardrop fit, differs in color, and looks like a tuft of cotton or fur.
What happens if a wasp bites you without a stinger?
A wasp’s stinger contains venom (a poisonous substance) that’s transmitted to humans during a sting. However, even without a lodged stinger, wasp venom can cause significant pain and irritation. It’s also possible to have a serious reaction if you’re allergic to the venom.
Can you die from an asp bite?
According to Plutarch, Cleopatra tested various deadly poisons on condemned people and concluded that the bite of the asp (from aspis—Egyptian cobra, not European asp) was the least terrible way to die; the venom brought sleepiness and heaviness without spasms of pain.
How poisonous is an asp?
This snake is highly poisonous. The asp's bite is very painful, and untreated bits can be fatal. Symptoms of an asp bite begin with sharp pain, followed by swelling and bruising. The venom can cause rapid degradation of blood vessels, leading to problems with vision.
What happens if you get stung by an asp?
Envenomation causes intense throbbing pain, burning, and a rash with erythematous spots. More susceptible patients can experience swelling, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis, shock, and respiratory distress.
How do you deal with an asp sting?
An ice pack should be applied to the site of the sting, and oral antihistamines can be administered to help relieve the itching and burning sensations. For caterpillars with stout spines (such Io moth and saddleback caterpillar), try carefully applying cellophane tape to, and stripping it from, the sting site.
How painful is an asp sting?
If you or your child comes into contact with an asp, you will likely feel the stinging sensation about five minutes after contact. It will feel intense and probably throb for some time. If the sting occurs on the arm, you may also feel pain in your armpit.
What happens if an asp snake bites you?
Envenomation from these snakes features immediate pain that can be severe. This pain is likely due to venom components such as proteases, biogenic amines and probably other constituents. Pain is followed within a few minutes by inflammatory edema and sometimes blistering at the bite site (grade 1).
How long does a asp sting last?
Other people identify blood-colored spots at the heart of the sting. Some experience nausea and vomiting, severe headaches, and even shock and respiratory stress. The pain tends to subside in less than an hour, and the spots will disappear within approximately a day.
Is the asp moth poisonous?
Their hairs are venomous and cause severe pain. It's not common to get stung, but if you've ever known a victim of the sting, you know it's a horrendous sensation.
What does a Texas asp look like?
The Texas asp is teardrop-shaped, and, with their long, silky hairs, resemble a tuft of cotton or fur. Their color varies from yellow or gray to reddish-brown, or a mixture of colors.
What color is an asp?
Males are generally grey in color while the females can be grey, brown and various shades of orange. The dorsal markings vary strongly but only rarely take the form of a clear zigzag pattern.
What to do if you see an asp?
TREATING ASP STING For caterpillars with stout spines, try carefully applying cellophane tape to, and stripping it from, the sting site to remove the irritating spines. If you have an allergic reaction, see a physician immediately. Eye injuries should also be referred to a specialist immediately.
Are ASPS poisonous to dogs?
Other caterpillars like the Slug, Asp and Gypsy moth varieties appear hairy or spiny and can also be toxic to pets, causing intestinal problems and painful internal reactions. Keep a close watch on your pet and contact your veterinarian should yours come in contact with or ingest a spider.
What to do if you get a stung by an asp?
What to do after being stung. Benadryl, Claritin and Cortizone 10 cream are recommended over-the-counter antihistamines to help with the swelling and itching. The asps can leave hairs trapped under your skin. So, she recommends trying to pull them out with tape.
How do you know if you've been stung by an asp caterpillar?
How to know if you were stung by an asp caterpillar. “Typically, patients have pain that's radiating, and that's very different,” Hacker said. She said the radiating pain doesn't happen with other insect stings. She also said your location can also be a clue that you’ve been stung by an asp.
What does an asp caterpillar look like?
They look down and see there's just a leaf on the ground and that leaf can be, it's actually an asp caterpillar. Caterpillars look like leaves. They're brown and tear-like,” Hacker said. Now that you know the symptoms, Hacker said, you should act fast if you realize you’ve been stung.
Is it common to get stung by caterpillars?
According to Texas A&M University, the state is home to a few different kinds of stinging caterpillars, which are called asps. It’s not common to get stung, but if you’ve ever known a victim of the sting, you know it’s a horrendous sensation.
How do you know if you have a stinger?
Erythematous (blood-colored) spots may appear at the site of the sting. Other symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis, and sometimes shock or respiratory stress. Pain usually subsides within an hour and spots disappear in a day or so.
What is the first aid publication for stinging caterpillars?
First aid information in this publication is based on recommendations published in the Physician’s Guide to Arthropods of Medical Importance (Jerome Goddard, 1996, CRC Press, 2nd Ed.). For more information on stinging caterpillars request publication L-1312, Stinging Caterpillars, from your local county Extension office. These publications, and help with additional questions about asps or other pest problems, can be obtained by contacting your county Extension office.
What causes a stinging sensation in a puss moth?
When a puss moth caterpillar rubs or is pressed against skin, venomous hairs stick into the skin causing a severe burning sensation and rash.
What is the name of the stinging caterpillar in Texas?
The best known flannel moth and stinging caterpillar in Texas is the southern flannel moth, or puss moth caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis . In Texas these caterpillars are commonly known as “asps”. This caterpillar is often abundant and may infest shade trees and shrubbery around homes, schools, and in parks.
How to treat a stinging moth?
For caterpillars with stout spines (such Io moth and saddleback caterpillar), try carefully applying cellophane tape to, and stripping it from, the sting site. This helps remove the irritating spines. For allergic reactions, such as generalized itching or difficulty breathing, see a physician immediately. For severe pain physicians sometimes administer meperidine HCl, morphine, or codeine; aspirin is reportedly not effective. Eye injuries should also be referred to a specialist immediately.
Can a puss moth cause damage to trees?
Puss moth caterpillars rarely cause serious damage to trees; however they can pose a health hazard to children and gardeners. Intense, throbbing pain develops immediately or within five minutes of contact with the caterpillar. Stings on the arm may also result in pain in the axillary (armpit) region.
What is the most severe reaction to a wasp sting?
The most severe allergic reactions to wasp stings are referred to as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis occurs when your body goes into shock in response to wasp venom. Most people who go into shock after a wasp sting do so very quickly. It’s important to seek immediate emergency care to treat anaphylaxis.
How long does it take for a wasp sting to subside?
Most of the time, large local reactions subside on their own over the course of a week or so. Let your doctor know if you have a large local reaction after a wasp sting. They may direct you to take an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine medication (such as Benadryl) to reduce your discomfort.
What are the symptoms of a wasp sting?
It’s important to seek immediate emergency care to treat anaphylaxis. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to wasp stings include: severe swelling of the face, lips, or throat. hives or itching in areas of the body not affected by the sting. breathing difficulties, such as wheezing or gasping. dizziness.
How many people are allergic to wasps?
Severe allergic reactions to wasp stings require immediate medical attention. Overall, up to 0.8 percent of children and 3 percent of adults have insect sting allergies. If you have an EpiPen, administer it as soon as symptoms begin.
What is the best medicine for wasp stings?
OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can manage pain associated with wasp stings. Antihistamine drugs, including diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine, can reduce itching as well. Take all medications as directed to avoid potential side effects, such as stomach irritation or drowsiness.
Why are toddlers so vulnerable to wasps?
Toddlers are particularly vulnerable because they may not be able to fully verbalize that they’ve been stung by a wasp. When your toddler is playing outside, be on the lookout for signs of a wasp sting and investigate the source of any tears and complaints immediately.
How to treat wasp stings with vinegar?
To use vinegar on wasp stings, soak a cotton ball with apple cider or white vinegar and place it on top of the affected area of skin. Use slight pressure to help with the pain and inflammation. You can leave the cotton ball on top of your skin for several minutes.
How long does it take for an asp sting to subside?
The pain from an asp sting typically subsides after an hour but an hour of pain is not something anybody ought to experience.
What does an asp sting look like?
It is teardrop fit, differs in color, and looks like a tuft of cotton or fur. A sting is provided when the asp is rubbed or its hairs get in contact with human skin. The hair gets ingrained into the skin which is responsible for the delivery of contaminants that causes severe pain.
How to treat a stinger?
Asp Sting First Aid 1 Apply ice bag over the afflicted site. 2 Administer oral antihistamines to alleviate burning and itching sensations. 3 Apply tape over the afflicted site and pull to remove the hair or stingers. 4 See a doctor right away for allergic reactions, severe pain, or eye injuries. 5 Severe pain from an asp sting may be treated with morphine, codeine, and meperidine, all of which are managed drugs. Standard painkiller have no impact on severe asp sting pain.
What happens when a puss moth stings you?
When a puss moth caterpillar rubs or is pressed against skin, poisonous hairs end up being ingrained. Getting stung by an asp is an experience very few individuals will forget. The asp is known as one of the most dangerous stingers in North America since of its ability to deliver a severe sting.
What is the best medicine for a sting?
See a doctor right away for allergic reactions, severe pain, or eye injuries. Severe pain from an asp sting may be treated with morphine, codeine, and meperidine, all of which are managed drugs. Standard painkiller have no impact on severe asp sting pain.
Does envenomation cause a rash?
Envenomation causes extreme throbbing pain, burning, and a rash with erythematous spots. More vulnerable patients can experience swelling, queasiness, abdominal pain, headache, lymphadenopathy, lymphadenitis, shock, and breathing distress. Wound pain typically subsides within an hour, and the erythematous spots disappear in a day.
Treatment of Puss Moth Caterpillar Stings
Treatment for local reactions to asp stings includes washing the skin with soap and water (using noncontact drying such as a hair dryer), local cooling measures such as an ice pack, or topical isopropyl alcohol, and putting tape on the site and pulling it off to remove embedded hairs.
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How to get rid of a stinger on a spherical surface?
1. Apply a baking soda and water paste. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one to two tablespoons of warm water. Liberally apply the paste to the area of the sting and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. The baking soda paste should reduce itching and other discomfort.
What are the symptoms of a caterpillar sting?
Common symptoms include: Itchiness and contact dermatitis, blisters, weals (welts), small red bumps, pain.
How to get rid of a sting from baking soda?
If the baking soda fails to alleviate your symptoms, rinse the baking soda paste off and then apply a liberal amount of hydrocortisone cream. Allow the cream to sit. It may take up to an hour for it to sooth the sting site. Reapply the cream according to the instructions on the product.
How to get rid of a caterpillar on your skin?
1. Remove the caterpillar without touching it. If the caterpillar is still on your skin, use pliers, tweezers, or thick gloves to pick up the caterpillar and remove it. Never try to remove the caterpillar with your bare hands because it can sting you again.
How to contact poison control?
Call Poison control for more information. Poison control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 any time of the day or night, if you have any questions about how to treat a caterpillar sting. A poison specialist will answer the phone and provide you with recommendations about how to treat the sting site. [10]
Identification
Biology
- Adult puss moths emerge in late spring or early summer to lay several hundred eggs on favored host trees, such as oaks, pecan, elm, hackberry and other trees. Caterpillars may also be seen feeding on dwarf yaupon and other shrubs. One to two generations occur each year, though southern flannel moth caterpillars tend to be more common in the fall. The caterpillar spends th…
Damage
- Puss moth caterpillars rarely cause serious damage to trees; however they can pose a health hazard to children and gardeners. Intense, throbbing pain develops immediately or within five minutes of contact with the caterpillar. Stings on the arm may also result in pain in the axillary (armpit) region. Erythematous (blood-colored) spots may appear at...
First Aid
- An ice pack should be applied to the site of the sting, and oral antihistamines can be administered to help relieve the itching and burning sensations. For caterpillars with stout spines (such Io moth and saddleback caterpillar), try carefully applying cellophane tape to, and stripping it from, the sting site. This helps remove the irritating spines. For allergic reactions, such as generalized itch…
Control
- Puss moth caterpillars can be controlled when they become abundant by spraying with a residual pesticide such as permethrin, cyfluthrin or similar sprayslabeled for control of caterpillars on ornamental plants. In some cases, such as on school playgrounds, the best solution may be educating students and teachers on what the caterpillars are, and the importance of not touchin…
For More Information
- First aid information in this publication is based on recommendations published in the Physician’s Guide to Arthropods of Medical Importance (Jerome Goddard, 1996, CRC Press, 2nd Ed.). For more information on stinging caterpillars request publication L-1312, Stinging Caterpillars, from your local county Extension office. These publications, and help with additional questions about …
Author
- Michael Merchant, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Urban Entomologist, Texas AgriLife Extension Service