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One of the few things that can quickly ruin a great day outside is a bee sting. Although a bee sting is a common and often minor summer mishap, it is important to know what to do to alleviate the painful sting quickly and what to look out for when it comes to allergic reactions.
Immediate Actions After a Bee Sting
The first few seconds or minutes after a bee sting are important for rendering the proper first aid, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This is because immediate action needs to be taken to remove the stinger if it is still embedded in the skin—and for someone with an allergy to bee stings, getting proper care could mean the difference between life and death.
1. Stay Calm and Get Away From the Bees
The first thing to remember when it comes to bee stings is to stay calm and move away from the bees or bee hive. This will ensure that you won’t continue to be stung as you render first aid. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) notes that bees usually only sting once, but wasps and hornets can sting multiple times—so moving away from them is important.
2. How to Remove a Stinger
The longer the stinger remains in your skin, the more venom it will release, according to the AADA. They recommend using a credit card to brush the stinger out of your skin. They also note that you should be sure to avoid squeezing the stinger with tweezers or fingernails, as this can release more venom.
3. Wash the Bee Sting
After removing the stinger, the AADA recommends that you wash the sting area with mild soap and water. This will help remove any irritants from the skin surface and may reduce the risk of infection.
4. Use a Cold Compress
The last step in bee sting first aid is to apply a cold compress to the sting area. This will help reduce pain and swelling, according to the AADA. They recommend using a bag of ice or a cold pack wrapped in a towel. You should apply the cold compress for 10-15 minutes at a time, up to several times a day.
Natural Remedies For Pain & Swelling From a Bee Sting
After your initial first aid, several home remedies can reduce pain and swelling. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the skin and reduce pain and swelling, according to Healthline. They recommend that you apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the sting area and massage it gently. You can repeat this process several times a day as needed, they note.
2. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a naturally alkaline substance that can help neutralize the acidic venom from a bee sting, according to Healthline. To make a baking soda paste, mix equal parts baking soda and water until you have a thick, spreadable paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. You can repeat this process every few hours as needed.
3. Honey
Honey has natural antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection and promote healing of the skin after a bee sting, according to Healthline. Simply apply a small amount of honey to the sting area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. You can repeat this process every few hours if needed.
4. Essential Oils May Help With Inflammation
Lavender and tea tree oil both have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling caused by a bee sting, according to Healthline. To use essential oils for a bee sting, Healthline recommends that you dilute a few drops in a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) and then apply the mixture to the sting area.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is used for a wide range of health and wellness purposes, according to Healthline. They note that some people believe that apple cider vinegar may play a role in soothing a bee sting, preventing infection, and lowering inflammation.
If you want to try this home remedy, they recommend that you soak the site of your bee sting in diluted apple cider vinegar for at least 15 minutes. You can also wet a bandage or cloth in the vinegar and then apply it to the sting site.
6. Aspirin paste
Another home remedy for reducing the discomfort from a bee sting is aspirin paste, according to Healthline. This consists of crushing up an uncoated aspirin tablet and mixing the powder with water into a paste.
Over-the-Counter Treatment Options for Bee Stings
If you get stung by a bee, some over-the-counter treatments may help alleviate the symptoms. Here are a few options to consider:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a type of medication that can help reduce swelling, itching, and other allergic reactions, according to the CDC. Some common antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec), according to the Mayo Clinic. These medications are available in pill form or as a liquid and can be purchased at most drugstores.
Hydrocortisone or Calamine Lotion for Itch Relief
If you're experiencing itching or discomfort from a bee sting, you may want to try a topical cream containing hydrocortisone or calamine, according to the AADA. Hydrocortisone is a type of steroid that can help reduce inflammation, while calamine is a mineral that can help soothe irritated skin. These creams can be applied directly to the affected area and can be found at most drugstores.
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for Pain Relief
If you're experiencing pain from a bee sting, the AADA notes that you can try taking a non-prescription pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation and can be found at most drugstores.
When to Get Medical Attention for a Bee Sting
Bee stings can be life-threatening for people who have a severe allergy to bee venom. The Mayo Clinic notes that you should seek emergency care if you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction:
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Hives or rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting
For mild bee sting reactions (redness, pain, and swelling at the bee sting site), the Mayo Clinic notes that you should seek medical attention if your bee sting symptoms do not go away within a few days.
Multiple Stings or Stings in Sensitive Areas
If you have been stung more than several times or have been stung in a sensitive area (such as the mouth or throat), the Mayo Clinic notes that it is important to seek urgent medical attention. They note that multiple stings can cause a toxic level of venom in your system which may lead to a severe reaction.
What You Can Do to Prevent Bee Stings
There are several measures you can take to prevent bee stings, according to the CDC. Here are some tips they list:
Identifying Areas Prone to Bee Activity
Bees are attracted to flowers, fruits, and sweet-smelling substances. The CDC notes that you should use extra caution and avoid walking barefoot in areas with flowers or fruits on the ground. Bees also prefer to nest in dark, protected areas, such as hollow trees, so be cautious when approaching these areas.
Wearing Protective Clothing Outdoors
If you know you will be in an area with a high likelihood of bee activity (such as wooded areas, abandoned buildings, orchards, greenhouses, fields, or a garden), it is best to wear protective clothing, according to the CDC. This includes long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, they note that wearing light-colored clothing can help deter bees.
Tips for Avoiding Aggressive Behavior in Bees
Bees are more likely to sting if they feel threatened or provoked, according to the CDC. To avoid aggressive behavior in bees, it is important to remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and avoid swatting at the bees.
Key Steps in Treating Bee Stings:
If you have been stung by a bee, here's a recap of what to do:
- Stay calm, move away from the swarm if there is one, and remove any stingers by scraping them out with a credit card or something similar.
- Wash the sting site with soap and water to remove any dirt or bacteria that could cause an infection.
- Apply a cold compress, such as a bag of ice or a cold pack, to the sting site to reduce swelling and pain.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Apply a topical cream, such as hydrocortisone or calamine lotion, to the sting site to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Home remedies like baking soda paste, aspirin paste, apple cider vinegar, toothpaste, honey, and essential oils may help relieve pain and swelling as your bee sting heals.
- Watch for signs of a severe reaction which include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, or a rapid heartbeat—seek emergency medical attention immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
- Go to urgent care if you have multiple bee stings, bee stings in sensitive areas (such as your face, mouth, or groin), or if your mild bee sting symptoms do not improve within a few days.
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