How Should Swelling In The Hand To Almost Twice The Normal Size After Being Stung By A Wasp Be Managed And Healed?

Posted on Sat, 1 Sep 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 1 Sep 2018 Answered on

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I was stung once by a wasp yesterday about 4pm on my hand. No breathing difficulties, nausea or vomiting. However my hand is swollen to almost twice its' normal size. It itches. Moderate pain. I now have a red area creeping up arm. It is warm to the touch.
ER or no ER ...that is the question.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I think yes, you should go to ER

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Sting bites are malty not serious .And as you don't have any nausea vomiting or shortness of breath, I understand that there is no anaphylaxis and that's good.

However I am worried about your arm. The swelling warmth indicate probably you have got some cellulitis (infection) and what you said it's spreading so this may need anti biotics.

This much swelling even in absence of infection also need attention as some times the swelling may compress on the blood vessel to causes distal blood flow compromise. So I understand you should move to ER to be very safe.

Hopes this is clear now .Let me know if you have further questions. I will be glad to answer your question.

Regards,
Dr. Rahman

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T