Bee stings a common outdoor nuisance is incredibly very common and painful. When a bee stings you, it leaves a venomous toxin behind causing pain and other symptoms. It is annoying but most bee stings can be managed at home without medical attention. However, if you are allergic to bee stings, you may experience more serious reactions that will require emergency medical treatment.
Symptoms
Mild reaction’
Instant, sharp burning pain at the sting site
A red welt at the sting area
Slight swelling around the sting area
In most people, the swelling and pain go away within a few hours.
Moderate reaction
Extreme redness
Swelling at the site of the sting that gradually enlarges over the next day or two
Severe allergic reaction
Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the throat and tongue
A weak, rapid pulse
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Dizziness or fainting
Loss of consciousness
Home remedies for bee sting
Stay with the person to watch out for any severe reaction that could develop.
Call for urgent medical help if there are signs of an allergic reaction.
Remove the stinger promptly if it remains. Look for a small black dot at the sting site and remove it immediately if is visible in the wound because it takes only seconds for all of the venom to enter your body. Many doctors recommend using a hard object like a credit card or blunt knife to swipe over the area and remove the stinger.
Remain calm - walk away calmly since bees can sting again.
Wash the site of the sting with plain soap and water.
Apply a cold compress - ice or cold cloth to reduce swelling
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed (aspirin or acetaminophen) to reduce pain and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to ease redness, itching or swelling.
Avoid scratching the sting area. This will worsen itching and swelling and increase your risk of infection.
Prevention
The following tips can help lessen the risk of getting stung by bees:
Take care when drinking sweet beverages outside. Use wide, open cups because you can see if a bee is in them. Inspect cans and straws before drinking from them.
Tightly cover food containers and trash cans.
Wear closed-toed shoes when walking outside.
Don't wear bright colors or floral prints, which can attract bees.
Don't wear loose clothing, which can trap bees between the cloth and your skin.
When driving, keep your windows rolled up.
Be careful when mowing the lawn or trimming vegetation, activities that might arouse insects in a beehive or wasp nest.
Home management is just what you require if you have minor reactions. If you develop severe allergic reactions, seek medical help immediately.