In summer, wasp stings are common. To the eye, it’s more rare, but it happens. If they usually pass in 1 to 2 days, they can be more serious in case of allergy. What to do ? Is that bad ?
Being stung by a wasp on the cornea or eyeball is relatively rare. When we speak of an eye sting, we generally refer to the skin around the eye. The eyelid may swell due to the diffusion of the venom into the mucous membranes and the eye. When to worry after a wasp sting in the eye? How deflate the sting and treat her?
Can you get stung by a wasp in the eye?
Yes, or more precisely around the eye. “The eyelid is a tissue that reacts very quickly to inflammation, infection, trauma or conjunctivitis. Fortunately, he is extremely rare for the sting to occur on the eyeballit is usually located on the skin around the eye. In general, eyelid edema represents a fairly frequent reason for consultation, especially among people who suffer from trauma such as tennis balls, punches during boxing or even untimely trauma related to gardening or DIY. Wasp sting is not the most common case“, develops Dr. Pierre Queromès, ophthalmic surgeon specializing in retinal diseases.
What are the symptoms of a wasp sting in the eye?
A wasp sting in the eye usually causes:
- A eyelid swelling
- A redness
- A severe pain due to the venom injected by the insect
- Sometimes difficulty closing the eyelid.
Is that bad ? When to worry?
The wasp sting in the eye is most often benign. The local inflammatory reaction may seem impressive but it disappears in the 24 to 48 hours Without leaving a trace.
The first thing to do is try to see if there is still the sting of the wasp and if it’s the case, carefully remove it. Then, clean the eyelid with soap and water before applying cold to the bitten area for 10 minutes. “Eyelid swelling usually subsides within hours and days.”reassures the eye surgeon.
► In case of superinfection of the skinthe treatment is based on the application oflocal antibiotics. If the inflammatory reaction persists for several days, drug treatment (antihistamines and/or hydrocortisone cream) may be prescribed.
What to do in case of allergy?
The allergic reaction is much more serious and requires the intervention of emergency services (15 or 112). While waiting for their arrival, it is recommended to leave the victim lying down with raised legs. It may be a Quincke’s edema, which results in swelling of the mucous membranes of the head and neck, causing breathing difficulties; and/or by anaphylactic shock which is characterized by a sudden and very serious drop in blood pressure that can be life-threatening. “These two forms of allergy are extremely serious and require emergency adrenaline injection. After a first allergic reaction of this type, it is essential to always have a self-injectable adrenaline syringe with you. Corticosteroids or antihistamines may possibly be associated“, specifies Dr. Pierre Queromès.
Thanks to Dr. Pierre Quéromès, ophthalmic surgeon specializing in retinal diseases. He practices at the Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital Center and at the OPH78