One of the most common problems in the spring and summer are bee stings. Insects like hornets, wasps, bees, and yellow jackets can all cause a painful sting that can be mildly or even severely painful. Some people are very allergic to bee stings. There are ways to treat a bee sting that will help to stop the pain and heal the sting.
What You’ll Need:
Credit Card
Soap and Water
Oatmeal and Baking Soda
Ice
Acetaminophen
Antihistamine
1. Remove stinger.
While wasps do not often leave stingers, honeybees and bumblebees do. It is important that you check and see if the stinger is still in the skin. If it is, then use the edge of a credit card or something similar to slide the stinger out. Do not use your fingers or tweezers because this can either drive the stinger deeper, or cause it to release more venom.
2. Soap and Water
Make sure that you wash the sting with soap and water. This will make sure that no bacteria are added to the sting site, and will help prevent any possibility of infection.
3. Oatmeal Paste
For a very simple and fast way to relieve bee stings, make a paste of oatmeal, baking soda, and water. Apply to the sting and let it dry. The oatmeal and baking soda will draw out the poison and also will help to soothe the stung area. It will reduce swelling and keep the poison from spreading. It also will help with healing and prevent itching.
4. Ice
If you don’t want to use a paste, then apply ice to the sting. This will also help with swelling and prevent the spread of the venom.
5. Painkiller and Antihistamine
A painkiller such as acetaminophen is perfect for killing the pain caused by bee stings. To help with itching, add an antihistamine cream or even take something like benadryl.
Make sure to get medical attention if the person who is stung is allergic to bees! Watch for signs of a reaction, such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or passing out. A severe reaction can prove to be fatal without medical attention
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