Yes it is fall now but those nasty wasps have not given up yet. We are potentially going to have them stinging around until late October. So, what do you do to take the itch and pain out of a wasp (or bee) sting? If you are lucky enough not to be allergic, than here are some home therapies to decrease the swelling, comfort the pain, and relieve the itching. First off, ice reduces swelling by slowing down the blood flow to the area stung. Twenty minutes of icing can help with the pain and reduce the swelling. Next, onions and cucumbers. These handy veggies have a natural astringent that shrinks and cools the skin. Merely rub the sting area until the pain has reduced. A few other kitchen condiments can also be helpful at taking out the sting in that nasty wasp attack. Baking soda mixed with salt and water helps to reduce the acidity of the venom that is injected under your skin. Alternatively, vinegar or lemon applied to a Q-tip swab and applied to the sting site is also effective. Now if you happen to notice if the creature that stung you was a hornet - than the venom is a lot more powerful because it contains more acetylcholine which makes it more painful. In this case you might want to add anti-inflammatory and pain medication to your home remedies.
