Wasp sting on the knee. Swollen knee (at right) due to a wasp sting, seen next to the unaffected leg. The venom in wasp stings cause pain, redness and

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Wasp sting on the knee. Swollen knee (at right) due to a wasp sting, seen next to the unaffected leg. The venom in wasp stings cause pain, redness and swelling for up to 48 hours. Allergy such as seen here is due to sensitization of the immune system to wasp venom. The venom is recognised as a foreign substance and triggers a vigorous inflammatory response. This hypersensitive reaction can in rare cases lead to an anaphylactic response, an extreme allergic response in which the victim may succumb to shock. Treatment for stings includes removing the sting, washing the wound, applying hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling, and taking painkiller drugs.

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Photo credit: © DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
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Keywords: allergic, allergy, condition, disorder, healthcare, inflammation, insect, knee, leg, medical, medicine, patient, reaction, sting, wasp