wasp bite

My 5 year old daughter was bitten/stung by a wasp yesterday. This morning her eyes are swollen and puffy, but where she was stung on her arm there is just a small red spot, no swelling there? Does she need to see a dr. or is this a normal reaction?

[David S. Wilson, MD, FCCP]

Yes...she should see a physician as she sounds as if she has had a sytemic reaction and indeed may be quite allergic to insect venoms.  Treating the current episode is important, but an allergy evaluation is very necessary as the next episode could be much more serious.

[caregiver222]

You need to give her some benadryl, available without prescription. At this point it is unlikely to get worse. She can also take a baby aspirin. Everything will get better from this point on.

Making a water paste of either monosodium glutamate (Accent in the supermarket) on the bite will help. Or crush an aspirin and make a paste.

The problem is the next bite. Once the system is sensitized, the next bite can cause a fare more severe reaction.

Purchase some benadryl, and keep it with her for the rest of the summer.

If she gets bitten again, don't hesitate to take her to an ER if she develops any immediate problems (flushing, difficulty breathing, excessive inflammation).

[David S. Wilson, MD, FCCP]

Yes...she should see a physician as she sounds as if she has had a sytemic reaction and indeed may be quite allergic to insect venoms.  Treating the current episode is important, but an allergy evaluation is very necessary as the next episode could be much more serious.

[jayree78]

Thank you! I appreciate all your advice!