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Yellow jacket sting picture

Insect Bites

Yellow Jacket Sting, Bite, Pain Scale, Swelling, Pictures, How Long Does it Hurt, Itch, Wasp, Symptoms, Treatment



A critical look at the yellow jacket sting, pain scale, swelling, pictures, how long the sting lasts, the itch, wasp, symptoms and the treatment.

yellow jacket sting

yellow jacket sting swelling

Yellow Jacket Sting or Bite

Stinging insects like the bees, yellow jackets as well as the hornets use the stings so as to subdue their prey (usually the insects and also the spiders) and to also defend themselves or even their colony.

While several species might display very different extent of aggressiveness, the same very basic reasons for attacking as well as stinging are normally the instinctive need to feed themselves or even their colony and also to protect their colony.

Yellow jacket workers are about half of an inch long, normally they have yellow and also the black stripes, while some of the species are equally marked with the red stripes. The stinging insects have very fewer body hairs than the honey bees and there is a much noticeable that narrowed segment between its thorax and also the abdomen.

Yellow jackets normally build their own nests using a paper-maché material, as the nests are normally located underneath, but might sometimes be in the sheltered above-ground areas like the wall voids of the buildings or woodpiles.

Typical symptoms as well as the reactions to the stings by the yellow jackets do not differ much except when the victim is being stung multiple times by several individual insects and the person is highly allergic to the venom of the insect. Normally, stings produce the following reactions and also the symptoms:

  1. Localized reactions. These are the common types of the reaction to a wasp sting. Symptoms are pain, swelling and redness at the site of the sting as well as itching. These symptoms come out too soon after the stings and take many hours to disappear. Large amount of localized reactions can lead to pronounced swelling, and also fatigue, and take one week so as to clear up. These symptoms do not lead to any major medical problems and are normally limited to and are mostly very near the sting area.
  2. Secondary bacterial infections. This type of skin infection normally develops if the sting area is much frequently scratched or the bacteria are provided with a suitable condition that favors it to develop. Failure to clean, disinfect or even medicate sting areas will enable infections to happen.
  3. Systemic allergic reactions. These reactions happen in individuals or pets that have produced a type of antibody, called immunoglobulin E, which acts against the same venom from a previous yellow jacket sting. This reactions are much critical medical issues, but happen in a very small percentage of the stings.

Symptoms of the systemic allergic reactions are the swollen red bumps that are found on the skin, flushing of the skin as well as difficulty breathing because of swelling of the pharynx epiglottis and also narrowing of the bronchial passages. The reactions can vary in the severity from the mild skin to very severe.



Anaphylaxis, which is the most severe immunologic reactions, happen very commonly in the males and people who are less than 20. In much severe reactions, hypotension (circulatory disturbances, and also breathing difficulty) might progress to the fatal cardiorespiratory arrest.

Many people who develop the anaphylactic reactions have had previous yellow jacket stings with also very few problems, but once a person has had an anaphylactic reaction, the risk of having a recurrent experience is above 45 percent.

Toxic reactions normally result from the toxins that are in venom rather than the immune response initiated by the body itself. In most of the cases, toxic reactions are due to the multiple stings, which insert a large amount of venom into the body.

Symptoms may include fever, nausea, diarrhea, fainting as well as convulsions. Swollen red bumps, rash as well as other skin-related symptoms are much less common in the toxic reactions than occurring in the systemic allergic reactions.

Due to the stinging insect venom being a strong stimulant that leads to the immune response, individuals who have had toxic reactions are able to produce antibodies to the venom and thus be at risk for the future systemic anaphylactic reactions to yellow jacket sting.

Yellow Jacket Sting Pain Scale

The yellow jacket is basically a wasp, implying that it is able to defend its nest with as much aggression. The only difference that is between a bee and a wasp is that wasps have a very thin waist, which is a feature that is very clear in the yellow jacket.

This particular wasp folds the wings lengthwise when it is resting and it appears black and yellow in its color. Despite the yellow jacket being a nuisance to the people who are living close proximity to it, this wasp is also much useful as it eats several other insects.

Researchers describes a sting from the yellow jacket as being smoky and very hot, almost like putting out a cigarette with a tongue. The pain index for the yellow jacket sting is normally a 2.0.

Yellow Jacket Sting Swelling

yellow jacket bite sting

yellow jacket bite

If the skin appears to be red around the skin area of the sting this implies that it is only a local reaction, and thus a cold compact is able to decrease the inflammation. If it is red and there is a much noticeable swelling, then you should just take an antihistamine like the Benadryl in addition to using a cold compress.

The most common reaction to the yellow jacket sting is normally itching, swelling and other soreness of the affected skin spot. Although the sting is very painful, this usually disappears into a discomfort after a few minutes. The after effects of the yellow jacket’s sting, however, will can be able to last between 12 to 48 hours. Allergic reactions to the sting are more dangerous and can require very urgent medical attention. Indications of an allergic reaction to the yellow jacket’s sting are a swelling of the throat, hives, nausea and difficulty with breathing.

If the hives appear at the skin area of a sting on a child who is under the age of 15, then it is a less serious reaction than if the hives were available on a person over the age of 16.

A mild sting can lead to redness, swelling, itching as well as the inflammation in the affected skin spot. Such minor cases are able to be treated at home using basic first aid and the simple kitchen ingredients.

But, yellow jacket stings may cause severe allergic reactions in some of the individuals, leading to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, confusion, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, vomiting and also fainting.

If hives are much visible after a yellow sting, but the person’s breathing is very normal, they should make sure that they remain in the presence of others that are aware of the sting. Delayed allergic reactions are not very common, but are possible, and if a person begins having a lot of difficulty breathing they required to be taken to the hospital urgently.

Stings from bees, wasps, and the yellow jackets are much common and also painful. Pain, swelling, and also itching at the skin area of the bite are much common. An allergic reaction also includes trouble breathing, and the swelling on the body some other skin area other than the bite site. Allergic reactions to a bite or even sting are serious medical emergencies.



Yellow Jacket Itchy

Dealing with the yellow jacket sting is much frustrating, but tending to the itchy sore that it leaves can appear to be worse. The incessant itching of the yellow jacket sting may often not be much alleviated.

These aggressive insects certainly pack a hard punch, all due to a special venom. Just a minor amount of this toxin is very enough to make most of the stings burn and also itch without any relief. Of course, the terrible itching that is associated with a yellow jacket sting comes not from the stinger, but from a venom that it makes sure to deliver personally.

The yellow jacket is a member of the Hymenoptera order of insects that also includes bees, wasps as well as the ants. Most of the insects in this order are indicated to have very painful stings. Unlike the bees, a yellow jacket is able to sting the victim a number of times.

As the yellow jacket inserts its stinger into the skin, it quickly releases the venom that comes from a special gland that is located in the abdomen. This particular venom is made of several components, including the proteins and serotonin. As the toxins go through the skin cells, then a reaction happens. This leads to the itching that is associated with a yellow jacket sting.

Yellow Jacket Sting How Long Does it Hurt

Marked pain; there is significant itching that can be experienced for about 1 to 2 hours. Lesser pain or even tenderness might take several days so as to resolve. Swelling can continue to a period of even after 24 hours. Swelling normally resolves within one week with a lot of redness that is lasting for about 3 days.

Yellow Jacket Sting Symptoms

yellow jacket sting

yellow jacket sting symptoms

A mild allergic reaction can lead to one or more of the symptoms at the site of the sting:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Mild to moderate swelling
  • Itching

Severe allergic reactions (also known as an anaphylactic reaction) are not much common. But when they occur, they’re emergencies.

Symptoms may include:

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  • Trouble breathing
  • Hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and can spread to the areas that are beyond the sting
  • Swelling of the face or mouth tissue
  • Wheezing or even trouble swallowing
  • Restlessness as well as anxiety
  • Rapid pulse

Yellow Jacket Sting Treatment

There are many ways that can be used to treat a yellow jacket sting. Treatment usually consists of treating the symptoms that are associated with the sting. Yellow jacket sting treatment is much similar to treating of the bee sting.

The most common signs of getting stung by the yellow jacket are usually pain and also itching. Swelling of the sting skin area is also a side effect. The symptoms that arises from the sting should only last for between 24-72 hours and then disappear.

The best thing to do is to treat the sting site urgently. Be sure also to clean the skin area using soap and water then use either alcohol or even peroxide.

Usually, yellow jackets do not leave the stinger, but if one is ever found, use a straight-edge to scrape away the stinger. Do not try to squeeze to get the stinger out or you will get to release a lot of venom into the system and thus make the sting to be worse.

Home Remedies for Yellow Jacket Stings

yellow jacket image

yellow jacket picture

Yellow jackets are mistakenly known as bees because of their striking similarity in the size and appearance. But, yellow jackets are actually wasps that have black stripes and yellow stripes on the body.

These insects are normally seen foraging for the food and do not sting unless they are physically threatened. If the insects feel that their nest is in danger, they begin defending it and in the process are able to attack people who are around them.

  1. Cold Compresses

To reduce pain and also itching, use cold compresses on the affected skin spot before you put anything else on it. Cold compresses are able to reduce swelling and also inflammation by numbing the nerves.

A study reports that ice or cool compresses together with topical lidocaine or even corticosteroid lotions are much critical in successful management of the yellow jacket sting.

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  1. In a bowl of cold water, add a few ice cubes.
  2. Put a piece of cloth in the boiled water.
  3. Wring out the excess amount of water, then place the cloth directly on the affected skin spot.
  4. Leave it on for about 15 minutes.
  5. Repeat 2 or 3 times, waiting 20 minutes between the applications. If required, repeat a few more times during the first 36 hours.

You can also hold a very cold bottle of water or even a bag of the frozen vegetables (that are wrapped in a clean thin cloth) on the affected skin spot.

Never put the ice directly on the skin, which can lead to frostbite.

  1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a very effective natural cure for the yellow jacket sting. The alkaline nature of the baking soda assists to neutralize the sting. This gives instant relief from the pain as well as itching.

Plus, being an anti-inflammatory agent, it assists to reduce the swelling, inflammation and also redness.

  1. Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with a little amount of water so as to make a paste.
  2. Use the thick paste on the affected skin spot for about 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse it off using lukewarm water.
  4. If required, repeat the process after a few hours.
  1. Vinegar

Both white vinegar and the apple cider vinegar work as very effective remedies for the insect bites as well as the stings. The acetic acid that is available in vinegar contains anti-inflammatory properties that assists to reduce swelling and inflammation.

It also assists to neutralize the acid that is in the venom so as to relieve pain and also itching.

  • Soak a cotton ball in the unfiltered apple cider or even the white vinegar. Hold the cotton ball over the affected skin spot for about 15 10 minutes. Repeat the process as needed.
  • Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with enough commercial meat tenderizer so as to make a thick paste. Use the paste on the affected spot for about 45 minutes. Rinse it off using lukewarm water. Repeat the process as needed.
  1. Honey

Honey is also a great remedy that gives instant relief from the symptoms of the yellow jacket sting. The enzymes that are found in honey assists to neutralize the venom at the affected skin area. This assists to reduce the pain and also the itching within a 30 minutes.



Also, it contains antibacterial properties that is able to prevent infection.

Honey also performs for the wasp and hornet stings.

  • Spread pure, raw honey enough amount on the affected area. Leave it on for about 45 minutes or until the honey dries out completely, then rinse it off using warm water. Use it as a lotion a few times in a day for a number of days.
  • Otherwise, add honey to 2 teaspoons of the turmeric to make a thick paste and use it on the affected skin area. Allow it to dry, then rinse it off using lukewarm water. Repeat the process a few times daily for 2 days.
  1. Plantain

Plantain leaves is normally recommended by the health experts for its healing properties for the faster relief from yellow jacket sting symptoms. The anti-inflammatory property of the leaves assists to reduce pain, swelling as well as itching.

Also, the antibacterial property in the leaves reduces the risk of any infection that can delay healing.

  • Extract the juice from the leaves by crushing them gently using your hands. Use the juice on the affected skin area. Allow it to dry, then rinse it off using lukewarm water. Repeat the process 2 or 3 times daily for a number of days.
  • You may also use an over-the-counter plantain ointment on the affected skin spot a few times a day so as to promote quick recovery.
  1. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal also assists a lot when it comes to relieving yellow jacket sting. Its innate absorption property assists to draw out and get rid of toxic substances from the body. When applied immediately, activated charcoal is able to prevent swelling and pain.

  • On an ordinary band-aid, rub a small amount of wet charcoal tablet until it is completely black. Use the band-aid on the affected skin spot. Replace it with a new one after a about 3 hours. Repeat the process as required.
  • Another option that is available is to empty the contents of about 3 charcoal capsules into a small bowl. Mix it with large amount of water to make a thin paste. Use it on the affected spot for about 2 hours, then rinse it off using lukewarm water. Repeat the process if needed.

Yellow Jacket Sting Pictures

Further references;

  1. All About Yellow Jackets, Bees And Their Kin: http://www.gardeners.com/how-to/yellow-jackets/7700.html?SC=XNET9465#control
  2. Starr sting pain scale: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starr_sting_pain_scale
  3. The 10 Most Painful Insect Stings in the World: http://www.therichest.com/rich-list/the-biggest/the-10-most-painful-insect-stings-in-the-world/
  4. Home Remedies for Yellow Jacket Stings: http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-yellow-jacket-stings.html/2
  5. How long does the pain last after a yellow jacket sting: https://www.healthtap.com/user_questions/942429
  6. 5 tips to treat yellow jacket stings – and signs of a bee allergy: https://www.multicare.org/news/5-tips-to-treat-yellow-jacket-stings-signs-bee-allergy/

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