Never had any kind of reaction to any stings, not even itching. Normally just a little burn at the time, and a small whelt that goes away in a few hours. Got hit by a black hornet and now have a 5", swollen red area, with a large (1cm) yellow raised area in the middle, with fair size hole in the middle. Don't mean stinger size, I mean the size of a broom straw. Does this sound like a possible allergy developing? or just a real good sting (for the hornet anyway). I'd really appreciate any input, as my education is in surgery, not allergies or venom reactions. After 30hrs or so, I'm really surprised to be able to find the spot, much less have visible lesion.
2007-07-24 16:39:05 · 9 answers · asked by Enigma®Ragnarökin' 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm not a surgeon, I'm a surgical technologist/ surgical first assist. Gross anatomy and surgical theory were the main points of my education.
2007-07-24 17:19:59 · update #1
Much of the information from my basic education went out the window from the stroke that forced my retirement. At one time I most likely knew the answer. lol
2007-07-24 17:22:58 · update #2
you are for sure having an severe inflammatory response; have a Dr. look at it immediately.
2007-07-24 16:43:21 · answer #1 · answered by az grande 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to seek medical attention ASAP..
An allergic reaction doesn't happen the first time you come in contact with a substance.. It can happen the 2- the infinante number contact..
An allergic reaction require an antibody to set it off in order to have an antibody one must have been exposed to the substance at least once so the body can create the antibody in the first place..
Head to medical attention and get the sight checked out.. Sometimes when an insect stings the venom can remain in the site of the sting very slowly leaching out into the body rather than moving more quickly due... If a venom sack/pustual is present the venom can be removed speeding recovery and preventing lasting scarring..
As a surgeon you should have taken basic anatomy and hysiology classes as well as basic medicine classes and should be able to spot and properly diagnose a problem than clearly needs medical attention... Surgeons don't immediately enter surgical training they take pre-med and general med classes first...
2007-07-24 16:54:24 · answer #2 · answered by Diane (PFLAG) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have a portion of the stinger still embedded in your skin, causing the continued inflammation. If this is the case, try scraping the immediate area of the sting with the edge of a credit card (to remove it). Then add Benedryl (or similiar) cream, and a cold pack, to the lesion.
Since it has been more than 24 hours since the sting, you are probably safe from further complications. However, it couldn't hurt to call your personal physician, just to be safe. You could easily develop an anaphalyxic reaction to wasp/hornet/bee stings, and that can be deadly! If you live in an area thick with the little monsters, you may want to have a "bee sting kit" on hand at all times, just to be safe.
2007-07-24 16:53:44 · answer #3 · answered by MamaBear 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I'd call poison control. They know all about these things--not just poisons, but bugs, animal bites and such. It might have just been a really good sting, and I know my b/f had a hornet sting that hurt a week straight, poor guy. I'd call just to be on the safe side, and there's no point spending money on a doc if they can tell you the answer.
2007-07-24 16:43:27 · answer #4 · answered by mathaowny 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can be nasty. Baking soda 1/2 tsp, several (10-20) drops of water, make a slurry (mud pack). Apply to affected area for 1/2 hr, followed by ice. Seek immediate medical attention if difficulty in breathing occurs. When swelling subsides, loose bandage the area so as to minimize scratching damage (damn itchy things later), or wear cotton gloves.
2007-07-24 16:44:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
allergic reactions are pretty immediate. Hornets can bite over and over again, unlike bees that sting only once, then die.
Your body develops a build up of toxins, which can get worse and worse with each bite. Take an antihistamine for the swelling. If you have trouble breathing, get thee to a hospital.
(My hand swelled up to 3X's its size and stayed that way for a few days) Blessings of God be with you
2007-07-24 16:44:00 · answer #6 · answered by Shinigami 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
one of my siblings got stung by a hornet once, sounds like his sting. Said it hurt something fierce. I would call the Dr. just to be safe. I wish you a speedy recovery.
2007-07-24 16:45:09 · answer #7 · answered by Nunya 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hornet stings are NASTY. Take some Benadryl and ice pack it. Keep an eye on it for awhile.
2007-07-24 16:42:26 · answer #8 · answered by mrs O 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ooo.
I might suggest you go see a doctor as soon as possible.
Hornets are know to be much more deadly and poisonous that your average honey bee
2007-07-24 16:41:24 · answer #9 · answered by Skeptic123 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋