After doing landscape gardening for years without injury from anything inhabiting the area around me I was torpedoed by a yellow jacket 3 days ago. It got me only once but, once was enough. My left forearm looks like Popeye's and the itching although not continuous is intense. I'm sharing here only what works for me but, Google will bring up much more I'm sure.
The only thing that will take care of it is time (several days) if you're not allergic. but, many things will ease the pain and itching. Because I work outside I carry an ice chest so I grabbed a chunk of ice and held it to the sting. Ice will numb the nerve endings in the same way very hot water will. Both work but, if you have circulation problems be careful holding ice in your bare hands for an extended period.
I have used very hot water for years to stop intense itching if the skin is not broken. I do mean "very hot". For me this is right before burning my skin. I can barely hold the rag under the water. I know it sounds crazy but, it works for me and for quite some time.
There is pain involved the first few hours after being stung. Later it will itch so much you will have to be careful not to scratch and make things worse. Clipping your nails very short during this time is advisable. Even if you never use drugstore products I would suggest getting some diphenhydramine (antihistimine) in case the natural products don't work. Diphenhydramine is found in Benadryl but, the cheaper off brand will serve just as well. Nothing like intense itching at 2:00 AM with nothing to relieve it.
I use a lot of epson salt to relieve muscle soreness and common sense told me it would help in this case also. I add a couple of cups to my bath water and soak 10 to 15 mins. Cortisone will help but, so will a paste of baking soda and vinegar and the latter you can use as often as needed.
Another natural substance I use often is aloe. I've never heard of it being used for stings but, I use it on my arthritic joints and knew it couldn't hurt.
If you don't have aloe vera plants your friend or neighbor probably does. Cut a leaf from the bottom of the plant, wash and if you're using the type with thorns take a sharp knife and run along the edge removing them. . My plants are quite large so from there I cut them in pieces, size depending on how I'm going to use them. Next run your sharp knife carefully down the center from the side making 2 pieces. At that point if needed immediately it can be used but, if not I put them in a plastic bag and refrigerate. Once cold I use them as you would any compress. It can also be used as often as needed.
Yellow jackets are not considered dangerous unless you're allergic but, I would advise being careful around them. They will mark anything they consider a threat causing the entire hive to pursue you. If you happen to see one on the ground acting like it's had too many muscle relaxers leave it be. When you crush them they leave a bit of chemical that will irritate other yellow jackets. They know you stepped on their brother.
What's going on with that, hon?
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