Cold Compresses
To reduce pain and itching, apply cold compresses on the affected area before you put anything else on it. Cold compresses will reduce swelling and inflammation by numbing the nerves.
A 2006 study published in the Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice reports that ice or cool compresses along with topical lidocaine or corticosteroid lotions are critical in successful management of yellow jacket stings.
In a bowl of cold water, add a few ice cubes.
Put a piece of cloth in it.
Wring out the excess water, then place the cloth directly on the affected area.
Leave it on for 10 minutes.
Repeat 2 or 3 times, waiting 15 minutes between applications. If needed, repeat a few more times during the first 24 hours.
You can also hold a cold bottle of water or a bag of frozen vegetables (wrapped in a thin cloth) on the affected area.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective natural cure for yellow jacket stings. The alkaline nature of baking soda helps neutralize the sting. This provides instant relief from pain and itching.
Plus, being an anti-inflammatory agent, it helps reduce swelling, inflammation and redness.
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste.
Apply the paste on the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.
Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
If needed, repeat after a few hours.
Vinegar
Both white vinegar and apple cider vinegar work as effective remedies for insect bites and stings. The acetic acid present in vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation.
It also helps neutralize the acid in the venom to relieve pain and itching.
Soak a cotton ball in raw, unfiltered apple cider or white vinegar. Hold the cotton ball over the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of white or apple cider vinegar with enough commercial meat tenderizer to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat as needed.
Honey
Honey is another great remedy that provides instant relief from the symptoms of a yellow jacket sting. The enzymes in honey help neutralize the venom at the affected site. This helps reduce the pain and itching within a few minutes.
Plus, it has antibacterial properties that prevent infection.
Honey also works for wasp and hornet stings.
Spread pure, raw honey generously on the affected area. Leave it on for about 30 minutes or until the honey dries out, then rinse it off with warm water. Use it as a lotion a few times daily for a couple of days.
Alternatively, add honey to 1 teaspoon of turmeric to make a paste and apply it on the affected area. Allow it to dry, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat a few times daily for 2 days.