Is it possible to start getting an allergic reaction to a wasp sting 48 hours later? Should I be concerned?

Question

I got stung by a wasp 48 hours ago and I am just now startng to show some signs of a reaction (it stung my finger and I am majorly swollen through my wrist, the swollen area is red and warm to the touch, I itch clear up to above my elbow, I have major pain in the joints in my finger, my nose is runny and I have a bad headache now- which is possibly not related...) This is even hours after taking a Benadryl. Should I be concerned?

Answer 1

Yes and no.

48 hours after the sting both the venom and its metabolites should be, for the most part, gone.

Swelling, localized itching, and pain in the (inflamed) joints nearest the sting are all normal, especially if you were stung by a particularly vicious/venomous species.


Of course, there's an exception to every rule. If you have shortness of breath, faintness, extreme fatique, or a weak, thready pulse, call 911 immediately. I can virtually guarantee that this is *not* an allergic reaction due simply to the time frames involved.

Good luck.

-Daniel

Answer 2

1ST, yes it is VERY possible to not react to a wasp sting untill 48 hours later, this is actually not that uncommon and 2nd...you should probably go to the ER ASAP, if your reaction is that bad a Benadryl may not take care of it, especially w the joint pain & headache...in fact if I were you Id go NOW

Answer 3

It's possible that you're having a severe reaction to something, whether it's directly related to the wasp or to something else. If you're having all of those symptoms, you really need to go to the emergency room tonight. That's too many worsening symptoms and it's not something to play around with at this point.

Answer 4

Nut. .. you need to go to the ER at your local hospital!