How to make a yellow jacket sting stop hurting?

How to make a yellow jacket sting stop hurting involves several first aid steps that reduce pain, swelling, and itching, though severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention. Immediately after sting, wash area with soap and water to prevent infection and remove alarm pheromone that attracts more yellow jackets, as yellow jackets do not leave stinger like bees, but check to ensure no stinger. Apply ice or cold compress wrapped in cloth to sting site for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling, repeating as needed, and elevate affected limb if sting is on arm or leg to reduce swelling. Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help stop hurting, and antihistamines like diphenhydramine can reduce itching and swelling. Topical treatments that calm sting include hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or paste made of baking soda and water applied to sting to reduce itching. Some people find relief from applying cold vinegar or honey, though evidence limited. Avoid scratching sting as it worsens inflammation and can cause infection. If you have history of severe allergic reactions, carry epinephrine auto injector and seek emergency care if you develop symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, hives, dizziness, or rapid pulse, as these indicate anaphylaxis which is medical emergency. Most yellow jacket stings stop hurting within few hours and swelling resolves in few days with home care.