What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to a wasp sting?

Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
Updated on April 29, 2025
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After being stung by a wasp and experiencing allergic reactions, the first step is to treat the sting site. You can wash the wound with soap and water or an alkaline solution to reduce the absorption of toxins. Additionally, thoroughly disinfect with iodine. Also, inspect the sting site for any remaining stinger; if present, remove it to decrease further toxin absorption and alleviate symptoms. For skin allergies, oral antihistamines such as levocetirizine or loratadine can be taken to ease symptoms. If the allergic skin reaction is severe and covers a large area, and oral medications are ineffective, intravenous administration of antihistamines such as dexamethasone, calcium gluconate, and high doses of vitamin C can be considered for treatment to relieve symptoms. It is also important to watch your diet and avoid spicy, irritating foods and seafood. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication use.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
28sec home-news-image

Can you eat fish if you have a skin allergy?

Skin allergies are primarily caused by contact with allergens, resulting in skin conditions. Fish, being a stimulating food with a strong smell, belongs to the category of irritants. Therefore, it is best to avoid eating fish during an allergic reaction period as it might worsen the skin allergy. During this time, it is preferable to consume foods that aid in digestion and are lighter, such as vegetables.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Can people with skin allergies eat grapes?

People with skin allergies can generally eat grapes. If there is no allergic reaction to the components of grapes, eating them during an allergy period will not worsen the condition. Skin allergies are often closely related to diet. Consuming foods that commonly cause allergies, such as milk, eggs, seafood, fish, shrimp, and crab, can trigger allergic reactions in the body. People who are prone to allergies may also react to airborne dust, pollen, and animal fur. When experiencing skin allergies, it is important to use antihistamine medication under a doctor’s guidance and identify the cause to avoid contact and prevent recurrence. It's also advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods when suffering from skin allergies.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
34sec home-news-image

Can people with skin allergies take a bath?

Patients with skin allergies can bathe in most cases; however, there is one circumstance under which they should not bathe: if there are ulcers or breaks in the skin. Bathing under these conditions can lead to secondary infections at the sites of ulcers and breaks. Additionally, one should not scratch the areas affected by skin allergies. It is also crucial to avoid washing the affected areas with overly hot water, as this is prohibited. Be sure to rest and eat a light diet regularly.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can people with skin allergies eat lamb?

Patients with skin allergies are generally advised not to eat lamb. Lamb is considered very warm and sweet in nature. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is said to nourish the kidneys, strengthen yang, dispel wind and cold, and benefit qi and blood. It is categorized in TCM as a warming and drying food that promotes yang, and is considered a trigger food. It can often induce or exacerbate skin diseases. Therefore, in clinical practice, we generally do not recommend lamb to patients with skin allergies. If it is necessary to consume, it should be eaten minimally.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Causes of skin allergies

The causes of skin allergies are mainly related to exposure to allergens, and different people have different allergens. For some, it might be medications, for others, it could be foods, and for some, environmental factors might be the allergens. Regardless of the type of allergen, it is necessary to actively conduct examinations and identify the causes, while also treating the skin allergy promptly.