What happens if you are stung by a bee?
A bee sting is an annoyance for the majority of us that have gotten stung before.
Temporary intense pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and itching may occur at the sting site, but there are no significant consequences.
Bee stings can be more painful if you are allergic to bees or have been stung multiple times. They can even be fatal.
When a honeybee stings you, the stinger is inserted into your skin. The honeybee is eventually killed as a result of this.
The only bees that die after stinging are honeybees. Wasps or other insects don't lose stingers. They may sting you multiple times.
When a bees sting you, it injects a venomous toxin into your body, which can cause pain and other symptoms.
In addition, this toxin causes allergic reactions in some people.
Mild allergic reactions can result in significant redness and swelling at the sting site.
Severe allergic reactions to bee stings may cause:
- Pale skin
- Hives
- Rapid pulse
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe itching
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
Get medical care if you show signs of a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting.
You could be suffering from anaphylactic shock, a potentially fatal allergic reaction.
Home Remedies For Bee Stings
Often, bee stings can be treated at home unless you're allergic to bees or have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
Remove the stinger using the edge of your fingernail or a credit card if a honeybee stings you.
This will help to curb the number of toxins that enter your body through your skin.
Using soap and water, clean the sting site.
The best way to reduce venom absorption is to apply ice to the sting site. It can also aid in swelling reduction.
Scientific research does not support the majority of home remedies for bee sting symptoms.
Nonetheless, they have been handed down through generations.
These home remedies may help relieve the symptoms of a bee sting:
Baking Soda
A baking soda and water paste can help neutralize bee venom and reduce pain, itching, and swelling.
You want to apply a thick layer of baking soda to the affected area.
Wrap the paste in a bandage to protect it. Remove after 15 minutes and reapply as needed.
Toothpaste
It is unknown why toothpaste can be beneficial for bee stings.
According to some, alkaline toothpaste neutralizes the acidic venom of honeybees.
However, if this is true, toothpaste will not work on alkaline wasp venom.
In either case, toothpaste is a low-cost and simple home remedy to try. Simply dab a small amount onto the infected area.
Honey
Honey may aid in wound healing, as well as pain and itching.
Put a tiny amount of honey on the affected area to ease your bee sting pain.
Cover loosely with a bandage and leave on for up to an hour.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Some people believe vinegar aids in the neutralization of bee venom.
Soak the sting site for at least 15 minutes in a basin of diluted apple cider vinegar.
You may also soak a bandage or cloth in vinegar and apply it directly to the sting site.
Meat Tenderizer
Papain, an enzyme found in meat tenderizers, is also thought to aid in the protein breakdown that causes pain and itching.
Mix one part meat tenderizer with four parts water to make a solution to treat a bee sting this way.
Apply for up to 30 minutes to the sting site.
An Aspirin Tablet
Taking a wet aspirin or applying aspirin paste to the sting site is a widely known home remedy for minimizing the pain and swelling caused by a bee sting.
The findings of a 2003 study According to a reliable source, applying aspirin topically to bee or wasp stings increased redness.
They did not reduce the duration of swelling or pain compared to using ice alone.
Oils and Herbs
These herbs have wound-healing properties and may aid in the relief of bee sting symptoms:
- Aloe Vera is well-known for its capabilities to soothe the skin and relieve pain. If you have an aloe vera plant, cut a leaf off and squeeze the gel directly onto the affected area.
- Calendula Cream is an antiseptic that is used to treat minor wounds and irritation of the skin. Directly on the sting site, apply the cream, and cover with a bandage.
- Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in the relief of swelling. To dilute the essential oil, you want to use a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Then, apply a few drops to the sting site.
- Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that may alleviate the pain of a bee sting. Apply a drop to the sting site after combining with a carrier oil.
- Witch hazel has long been used as a herbal remedy for insect bites and bee stings. It can aid in the reduction of inflammation, pain, and itching. As needed, apply witch hazel directly to the bee sting.
Traditional bee sting treatments
Traditional treatments for bee stings include using ice or cold compresses to minimize swelling and pain to the affected area.
Anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin or Advil may also be beneficial.
In addition, itching and redness can be relieved with hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.
If the itching and swelling are unbearable, an antihistamine such as Benadryl, taken orally, may provide relief.
Avoid scratching the stung location to lower the chance of infection. Itching, swelling, and redness can be exacerbated by scratching.
If you've already experienced an anaphylactic shock as a result of a bee sting, you'll need to keep an EpiPen on hand at all times.
If you are stung again, the EpiPen may help you avoid a severe allergic reaction.
When should you go to the doctor?
The majority of bee stings don't warrant a trip to the emergency room.
A serious allergic response can cause trouble breathing, itching or disorientation.
If you encounter any of these symptoms, contact your local emergency services. Avoid driving oneself to the hospital.
After using your EpiPen to treat the allergic reaction, you should see a physician.
If you've been stung more than once, get medical attention right once.
If the effects of bee-stung do not subside after a few days, consult a physician.
Bottom line
Whether you're allergic to bees or not, bee stings can be terrible. If you get stung by a bee, try to remain cool. You'll most likely be OK.
Bee allergies can strike at any age, even if you've previously been stung and not experienced an allergic reaction.
Therefore, it's critical to keep track of your symptoms.
If you know you'll be spending time outside, take the following precautions to lessen your risk of being stung by a bee:
- No walking outside barefoot
- Beehives should be left alone.
- Wearing sweet-smelling perfume, hair products, or body products is not a good idea.
- Wearing bright colors or floral designs is not appropriate.
- Protect your food.
- You should not drive with your windows down.
- Don't drink from a Coke can that has been opened.
- Keep a safe distance from uncovered garbage cans.
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