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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Swelling, Itchiness And Redness Caused By A Wasp Sting

A week ago, my wife was stung on her middle toe by a yellow jacket. Sting was relieved by bicarb poultice and a dip in the ocean. Now, a week later, her whole toe is swollen, itchy and red. Seems infected. Could she have an infection or a reaction from a sting that long ago, or is it likely something else? Is there a home remedy she can try? We are 12 miles out to sea, on an island, and cannot get to medical help easily. The closest doctor for us is two days and several hundred dollars away. She currently has no fever and the infection seems limited to her toe, so far.
posted on Wed, 16 Sep 2015
Twitter Mon, 4 Apr 2016 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 4 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query your wife have symptoms of swelling, itchiness and redness caused by a wasp sting which seems to be due to allergic reaction, poisonous substance reaction, skin infection, fungal infection. Need not to worry. You should apply only petroleum jelly and take antihistamine like benadryl twice a day. Avoid touching or pricking rashes. I would suggest you to keep your skin clean and dry , protect it from sun. If condition doesn't get well then consult dermatologist for proper examination. Doctor may order certain test like skin patch test , blood test , allergy test and take history to rule out the side effects of certain drug . Doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants along with anti inflammatory and corticosteroid ointment. Doctor may also prescribe antifungal like fluconazole or anti bacterial like clindamycin.

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Get Well Soon.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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Suggest Treatment For Swelling, Itchiness And Redness Caused By A Wasp Sting

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query your wife have symptoms of swelling, itchiness and redness caused by a wasp sting which seems to be due to allergic reaction, poisonous substance reaction, skin infection, fungal infection. Need not to worry. You should apply only petroleum jelly and take antihistamine like benadryl twice a day. Avoid touching or pricking rashes. I would suggest you to keep your skin clean and dry , protect it from sun. If condition doesn t get well then consult dermatologist for proper examination. Doctor may order certain test like skin patch test , blood test , allergy test and take history to rule out the side effects of certain drug . Doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants along with anti inflammatory and corticosteroid ointment. Doctor may also prescribe antifungal like fluconazole or anti bacterial like clindamycin. Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari