If you’ve ever been stung by a wasp, you might have wondered how such tiny creatures can pack such a nasty punch. The secret is in the chemical composition of their venom. A wasp sting is more than just a simple puncture. When a wasp stinger pierces your skin, the wasp’s muscles contract and release a combination of chemicals known as venom. Each chemical component has its own part to play in eliciting an unpleasant response in the human body.
What is Wasp Venom Made Of?
Wasp venom is composed of a complex cocktail of chemical constituents (try saying that 5 times fast!) that vary from species to species. Social wasp venom is primarily used to cause pain and deter animals that the wasps deem a threat to their colony. Their venom is composed primarily of amines (organic compounds that contain nitrogen and are chemically similar to ammonia) as well as peptides (a compound made of two or more amino acids) and proteins.
What Does Wasp Venom Do To The Body?
One of the most notable compounds of wasp venom is Phospholipase A. This protein compound causes allergic reactions in humans by activating histamine release. Histamines then signal that an undesirable substance (venom) is in the body and calls for an increase in blood flow. The result is increased swelling and over-stimulation in your nervous system, causing numbness, burning, and sharp pain as the venom is able to further permeate your body.
What Are The Symptoms?
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face
- dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- stomach cramps
- Cardiac Arrest
- Loss of consciousness
How To Make A Wasp Sting Stop Hurting
If you are having a normal reaction to a wasp sting that does not require immediate medical attention, here are methods to alleviate some of the discomfort:
- Use a dull edge, such as a butter knife, fingernail, or credit card, to remove the stinger
- Wash sting site with soap and water
- Mix baking soda and water into a paste. Apply to sting site and wash it off after 15 minutes
- Apply Ice pack for 10 minutes, then remove for 10 minutes. Repeat for up to 1 hour
- Use an over-the-counter product made for insect stings, such as antihistamine or calamine lotion
- Use acetaminophen as directed