Being stung by a wasp or hornet can be a painful and distressing experience. These insects aren’t particularly aggressive, but they may sting if they feel threatened or provoked. Stings can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes an allergic reaction. If you’re unfortunate enough to be stung, here are three ways to treat a wasp or hornet sting at home.

1. Remove the Stinger and Clean the Area

The first thing to do after being stung is to remove the stinger and venom sac, which are often left behind in the skin. Use a flat-edged object like a credit card or your fingernail to scrape the stinger out by gently sliding it across the skin. Avoid using tweezers as this may squeeze more venom into the skin.

Once you have removed the stinger, clean the area with soap and water to avoid infection. Make sure you wash your hands well before and after treating the sting.

2. Apply Cold Packs and Elevate the Area

To help reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in cloth to the affected area. Do not apply ice directly on your skin as it may cause frostbite or damage your skin tissues.

Elevating the affected area above heart level can reduce blood flow to that area, thus lowering inflammation and limiting swelling. For example, if you were stung on your arm, keep it elevated with pillows while sitting or lying down.

3. Take Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain from wasp or hornet stings. Follow the instructions on the label for dosage information.

If you experience itching as a result of the sting, consider using oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to soothe the skin. Do not scratch the area as this may irritate your skin and increase the risk of infection.

These three steps can help you treat a wasp or hornet sting at home. However, remember that some people may develop an allergic reaction to wasp or hornet venom, which requires immediate medical attention. If you experience difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, hives, dizziness, nausea, or severe swelling around the sting site, seek emergency care right away.