Treating Bee Stings: Learn how to Treat and Prevent Bee Stings

Treating Bee Stings: Learn how to Treat and Prevent Bee Stings
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Treatment After Being Stung

When a bee stings, normally the stinger, along with the sac of venom, is left in the skin (if the bee is still attached, flick it off).

The first thing you will want to do when treating bee stings is remove the stinger as soon as possible. It takes about 2-3 minutes for the venom to be completely released into the body from the sac. Do not pull out the stinger with your fingers or tweezers. This will only squeeze more venom into the body. Instead, remove the stinger with a scraping motion by using a long fingernail or the edge of a dull butter knife or credit card.

After removing the stinger, gently wash the site with soap and water and apply ice to slow the absorption of venom and to decrease swelling.

Meat tenderizer is an effective remedy, according to Philip Koehler, Ph.D., an entomologist at the University of Florida. Stings are made up of protein and an ingredient in meat tenderizer, papain (an enzyme from papaya), will break down this protein and help relieve pain and inflammation.

Add 1 teaspoon of water to 1/3 teaspoon of meat tenderizer (unseasoned) to make a paste. Apply for 30 minutes, then alternate it with 30 minutes of ice. If allergic to MSG, do not use meat tenderizer.

The following are other remedies you can try using when treating a bee sting. Apply:

  • baking soda (make a paste by adding some water)
  • thick wet mud
  • a copper penny
  • a slice of raw onion or raw potato
  • toothpaste
  • peanut butter
  • inside of a banana peel
  • honey
  • crushed garlic juice

Avoidance Advice

Bees normally don’t look for trouble and, if not provoked, they should leave you alone.

If you are going into a bee-filled territory, especially during the months of July, August, and September:

  • avoid wearing bright colors, particularly floral prints
  • wear long pants and sleeves if it is not too hot
  • avoid sweet smells, including perfumes and strong smelling deodorants, lotions, and shampoos

To prevent bee stings in the mouth, be careful drinking from cans or bottles that contain sweet beverages like soda.

If a bee sting occurs in the mouth, add 2 teaspoons of salt to some water and gargle, a lot. Salt water draws out the venom and will help prevent swelling.

To prevent bee stings when they are flying around you, hold still. If one lands on you, gently blow it off. Rapid movement startles bees and can cause them to sting you.

Severe Allergic Reactions

When treating bee stings, watch for allergic reactions for at least 2 hours. Delayed reactions can occur within 24 hours.

Those with severe allergic reactions, require immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, disorientation, vomiting, and hives.

You should also seek medical attention if:

  • stung in the mouth
  • stung in the nose
  • stung 10 or more times

Disclaimer

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