An Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that nearly one third of all hospitalised cases involving venomous plants and animals are attributed to wasp and bee stings. Bees can be found in almost every backyard, so it is essential to be prepared. You need to know what to do if you, or someone around you, is stung by a bee. Serious cases and hospitalisations can be avoided if these simple bee sting remedies are performed.
Emergency treatment is needed for allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock.
A person with a history of allergic reactions to bee stings will need immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, faintness or dizziness, hives, and/or a swollen tongue. Sufferers need a shot of epinephrine in the outer muscle of their thigh right away and to be taken to a hospital. Many people who know they have allergies carry EpiPens, but not everyone who will have a reaction knows they are allergic.
Remove the stinger with a card or any straight edge object and clean the area.
The stinger of a honey bee is left in the skin and can take up to 3 minutes to release all of its venom. It appears like a black dot on the skin. Remove it right away by scraping it with a card, blunt knife, or any straight edge object. Clean the area by washing it with soap and water and apply antiseptic. You can also decrease the severity of the reaction by applying hydrocortisone cream. Control any swelling using ice.
Other remedies to control the pain, itching and swelling.
A bee sting may become quite uncomfortable and difficult to tolerate. Here are some natural substances you can apply on the area to control the pain, itching, or swelling.
- Baking Soda can bemixed with a little water to make a paste and applied on the site of the bee sting. This can neutralise the acidic venom as baking soda is an alkaline substance.
- Witch Hazel is a natural anti-inflammatory and astringent which is useful for bee stings. Dab on a little of this, preferably chilled, and let it dry on the skin.
- Apple Cider Vinegar also neutralises the venom and can ease the pain or swelling. Soak a cotton ball in raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar and apply to the skin.
- Honey can help dilute the venom in the bee sting site. It also has antibacterial properties and has a soothing effect on the sting. You can simply pour this on the skin and let it dry, then wash it with water afterwards. You can also make a paste you can easily apply by mixing raw honey with turmeric in equal parts.
- Aloe Vera Gel can be extracted from an aloe vera leaf that is slit open. It can relieve pain, itching, and swelling due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Peppermint is an herb that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic or pain-relieving properties. You can apply one or two drops of peppermint oil directly on the sting site. For sensitive skin, this oil can be mixed with olive oil or coconut oil. You can also extract the juice of fresh peppermint leaves to rub and let dry on the area before rinsing with water.
- White toothpaste has a cooling effect for the itchiness and can also neutralise the acidic bee sting venom to reduce pain and swelling. Simply apply on the affected area where you can leave it for a few hours then wipe with a damp washcloth and repeat as needed.
- Medications can be used. An aspirin tablet may be crushed to a powder and then mixed with water to produce a thin paste which you can apply on the site and let sit for a few minutes before washing it with lukewarm water. If itching persists, you can take an anti-histamine medicine to relieve the discomfort.
Preventive measures courtesy of Vital Pest and Building Inspections
Avoid bee stings by getting rid of the pests in your home or backyard today. Contact Vital Pest and Building Inspections for an environment friendly way of getting rid of those unwanted insects that can potentially harm you.
