How To Treat Bee Stings - Bee sting in layman's words means a sting of a bee, wasp, hornet, horsefly or yellow-jacket. However, an actual bee sting means a sting from bees like honeybee, bumblebee, etc. Since the bee sting can be very painful it is important to know how to treat a bee sting.
Very often we are not able to differentiate between a bee sting and an insect bite. It is important to make the differentiation as the poison of an insect is different from that of a bee. If a person is allergic to the bee venom it can prove to be fatal.
Treating a Bee Sting at Home
It is important that you follow the instructions step by step for treating bee sting in adults.
Step I: When the bee has stung you, without wasting any time remove the stinger. If you waste any time the affected area can get inflamed. Do not squeeze the stinger, while you are removing it. Squeezing may result in releasing of the remaining poison and it will worsen the sting. It is advisable to use a tweezer to remove the stinger or gently scrap against the side of the stinger with your nails.
Step II: Now clean the area of the bite either with water and soap or with alcohol. Peroxide also can be used to clean the area.
Step III: Once the area has been cleaned, use a cold compress on the affected area for at least 20 minutes. Use of a cold compress will help in reducing the inflammation in the area and arrest the spread of poison to the other parts.
Step IV: If the affected area is itching make use of calamine lotion. Alternatively you can also make use of a paste made from baking soda and water. This paste will soothe the inflammation.
As different substances affect children in different ways as compared to adults, hence it is important to keep child care as paramount. The steps are no different from the above mentioned ones. The only addition is to calm the child down. Children can get scared due to the bee sting and due to the inflammation caused by it. A child above the age of 2 can be administered an antihistamine to prevent allergies.
Home Remedies for Bee Sting
Mentioned below are a few home remedies can also be used to treat a bee sting.
Honey: Honey has cooling and soothing properties. Application of honey on the affected area will alleviate the area.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Application of apple cider vinegar is also said to be very useful in alleviating a bee sting.
Basil: Cut fresh basil leaves and apply them on the affected area. It is a very effective home remedy for a bee sting.
Lavender Essential Oil: Just a drop of lavender oil can also be applied to the bee sting area. Use lavender oil as a spot treatment. Do not use it if the infection has spread
Onion: Cut a slice of an onion. Hold the slice on the sting area, alternatively you can also tape the slice to the affected area.
Toothpaste: Toothpaste is one of the easiest remedies for a bee sting. When you apply toothpaste on the bee sting you will feel a tingling sensation, which will make the area itch. In about 15-20 minutes the symptoms of the bee sting will vanish. You can reapply the toothpaste after about 5 hours.
Meat Tenderizer: Meat tenderizer can also be used on the affected area. It contains an enzyme called papain, which counters the effects of the venom and breaks down the toxins present in it.
Aspirin: You can dissolve an aspirin in water and apply the paste on the affected area. It will soothe the area.
Papaya: Like meat tenderizers, this tropical fruit contains an enzyme called papain, which reduces the effect of bee poison.
Treating a Bee Sting in the Wild?
When you are outdoors the chances of getting stung by a bee or a wasp increase manifold. The steps are not different from the steps we have seen to treat bee stings. When you are outdoors, you might not find a cold compress. You can make use of cold water instead of ice for the cold compress. In your first aid kit always carry baking soda. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the bee sting. After the paste dries it will fall off automatically. In case of any minor allergy an antihistamine can be taken orally.
If there arises any complication in spite of taking the measures , get yourself examined by a doctor. As there are chances that you might be allergic to bee stings.
1 year ago
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