Bee Sting Treatment

Listed below are a number of potential bee sting treatments that you could try in the event of being stung.

I also have a further page with more information about treating bee stings, and there are links to additional information pages about a range of topics from preventing bee stings to anaphylaxis and home remedies for bee stings.

Please note, most bees rarely sting, unless they are provoked or feel threatened. Only females can sting, and would do so if they felt it necessary to defend themselves or their colonies, honeycombs or nests.

The first thing to remember is that prevention is better than cure: leave foraging bees, as well as hives and nests well alone and allow the bees to go about their business in peace. Don’t flap and try to keep calm, as bees seem to sense panic, and this may provoke a stinging incident.

But what if you are stung by a bee?

Step by step treatment for bee stings

1. Before applying any bee sting treatment, firstly, check to see if the sting remains lodged in the skin. If it does, remove it with a clean blunt instrument, such as the edge of a ruler (wipe the edge of the implement gently over the sting).
   
   
   
2. Apply calamine lotion if this is suitable for you, in order to help soothe the swelling and inflammation. Alternatively, place an ice pack or ice cube over the sting. You could also take an analgesic such as aspirin, if appropriate for you.
   
   
3. If you are able to take antihistamines, they can also help to reduce swelling, inflammation and irritation. Please read the medicine label if you are unsure about whether you can take antihistamines, or alternatively, speak with a pharmacist.


4. In the case of a known allergy to bee stings, ensure an Epi-pen is carried at all times, and used immediately in the event of a bee sting.
   
   
5. If you have nothing in the first aid cabinet to treat the sting, check your kitchen cupboard for products that might help.  See these home remedies. 
   
   
6. However, if a bee sting occurs close to the eye, in the ear, nostril or mouth, visit your doctor as soon as possible to help prevent the incident becoming serious.  Be especially vigilant if a child is stung in a sensitive area.
   
   
7. If symptoms persist, consult a physician.
   
   

Getting bee stings into perspective

It's not uncommon to see the dangers of bee stings being exaggerated in the media. You could almost get the impression that bee stings are a common danger.  Yet how often do you walk by flowers in a window box, pot, wildflower verge, garden, public planting scheme and so on, without every being stung?  The fact is, bee stings are rarely fatal, and such incidences are rare – you are more likely to get struck by lightning than you are to suffer a fatal bee sting.

You can read more about this in my page providing quick facts about bee stings.

That said, prevention is better than cure!  You could try a repellent containing Picaridin. 

In addition to which, there are steps you can take to repel wasps and bees from an area.

Click on the following links below to find out more about bee stings.



Are Bee Stings Acidic Or Alkaline?
You may have heard the old adage: treat bee stings with baking soda, and wasp stings with vinegar, but does it have any validity?

Why Do Bee Stings Hurt?
It's a combination of the venom and the needle sharp stinger!


Bee Sting Reactions
Most people experience temporary discomfort, but rarely, and allergic reaction to bee stings occurs. Learn more about bee sting reactions, including swellings, allergy and anaphylaxis.


Apiphobia
About the fear of bees and bee stings, and what to do about it.

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