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How to Treat a Bee Sting

Posted on May 20th, 2009 by Carmelia
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Bee stings are one of the nastiest insect “bites” around. Reactions to bee stings may range from deeply uncomfortable and in the case of those allergic to it, fatal. If you’re faced with a bee sting situation, you should act quickly. Here’s what to do:

Treatment for People with Allergies

Tools

  • Tweezers
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Gloves (if available)

Procedure

  1. Get away from the bees or the area where the stinging took place. Bees release a scent that calls other bees for  reinforcements against perceived threats. Get away before said reinforcements arrive.
  2. Make sure that your hands are clean before touching the affected area. In a hurry, hand sanitizers will do the trick.
  3. Use a pair of tweezers or your hands to extract the bee sting. Do this carefully, but quickly. The longer the bee stinger stays in the skin, the more severe reaction you’ll get.
  4. If you or the one you’re treating is allergic to bees or bee sting, look for the epinephrine auto-injector and use as directed.
  5. However, there be no epinephrine present, call 911 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to come out, do not tarry. Call 911 immediately.
  6. Keep an eye out for anaphylaxis or an anaphylactic reaction. This means the more severe signs of allergic reaction which includes itching, hives, redness, shortness of breath, scratchy throat and a dry mouth.
  7. Antihistamines can help, but this will not stop an anaphylactic attack. Get to a doctor immediately.

Treatment for People Without Allergies

Tools

  • Tweezers
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Gloves (if available)
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Cold compress
  • Calamine Lotion

Procedure

  1. Get away from the area where you got stung.
  2. Clean your hands using soap and water, or a hand sanitizer.
  3. Remove the stinger as soon as you can, using tweezers or your fingers.
  4. Wash the affected area with soap and water. Wipe dry.
  5. Put the cold compress on the affected area.
  6. Make a soothing paste by mixing baking soda and water. You can also apply calamine lotion to get rid of the itching and pain on the inflammation.
  7. If you are unsure whether or not you have an allergy, go see a doctor if you notice symptoms other than pain, itching and inflammation on the affected area.

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