How to Treat a Bee Sting

The sting from one of these tiny insects is painful and even possibly fatal.  If you are stung, follow these steps quickly to reduce your body's reaction:

1. Get to a safe area quickly.  When bees feel threatened, they release a scent that attracts other bees to come help.  You should also be aware that hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps produce similar reactions to their stings but their stingers don't come out like bees, and they can sting many times.  Avoid multiple stings if possible.
2. Get the stinger out as quickly as possible.  Scrape it off, pull it out, or brush it away.  The longer it sits in your skin, the stronger your reaction will be to the bee's venom.  Some sources say you should avoid squeezing the stinger since it can release more venom, but others say to use whatever method you need to get it out as fast as you can.
3. Elevate an arm or leg that has been stung.  Remove any nearby jewelry (rings, bracelets, etc.).  Pad the affected area with a towel and cool with an ice pack to slow the venom's spread and numb the area.  
4. Itching at the sting site can be treated with an antihistamine, calamine lotion with an analgesic, hydrocortisone cream, or even toothpaste.  You can also create a soothing paste for your sting using baking soda and water.  If you have meat tenderizer, you can add some to your paste to help break down toxins in the sting.  Reapply any of the previous treatments if symptoms return.
5. Pain relievers can be used for lingering pain.
6. The area may take several days to heal so you should keep it clean to prevent infection.  Wash the area with soap and water.

Some people may have a severe allergic reaction to bee stings called anaphylaxis.  Anaphylaxis can occur when an affected person has contact with various allergens: latex, pollen, animal fur, nuts, bee stings, etc.  The outcome may be fatal, so if you suspect anaphylaxis you should call for emergency help immediately.  Look for:

• Redness, itching, or hives that spread beyond the sting
• Dry mouth or itchy throat
• Hoarseness or difficulty speaking

And especially look for:

• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or tightness in the throat
• Swollen face, mouth, or tongue
• Dizziness or rapid drop in blood pressure
• Feeling weak
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Quickened pulse
• Unconsciousness

If the allergy is previously known and you have an EpiPen, use it!  This could save your life.  An antihistamine could also slow the reaction but ultimately will not stop anaphylaxis.

You should also seek medical help if you are stung more than 10 times, or have stings inside your mouth, throat, or nose.  Swellings from these stings may block your breathing and be deadly even in people who are not allergic.