How to treat bee stings, home remedies, and preventions
Bee stings contain proteins that affect skin cells and the immune system, causing pain and swelling around the area.
This can be annoying mostly to those who are allergic to bee stings because it can trigger a more serious immune system reaction that requires urgent emergency treatment.
Bee stings can produce different reactions from temporary pain discomfort to severe allergic reactions.
A red welt at the sting area.
Instant sharp burning pain at the sting site.
Slight swelling around the sting area.
In most people who have experienced minor symptoms, the swelling and pain will go away shortly.
Severe allergic reactions include:
Skin reactions similar to Hives or Pale skin
Difficulty breathing
Severe itching
Swelling of the tongue and throat
Rapid pulse
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
What to do when you get stings from a honeybee
Remove the stinger instantly with the edge of your fingernail, sanitize the affected area with soap and water to reduce venom absorption and swelling.
Apply ice to reduce swelling.
Do not scratch the sting area as this may increase swelling, itching, and risk of infection.
Home Remedies
You can treat most bee stings at home if you aren’t allergic to bees and haven’t experienced any severe allergic reactions.
These simple home remedy methods may help relieve bee stings:
Honey – this may help with itching, pain, and wound healing.
Baking Soda – you may apply a thick layer of baking soda to the wound, cover with a bandage and leave for minutes, re-apply as needed.
Apple cider vinegar – Vinegar may help defuse the bee venom. Soak a bandage or cloth in the vinegar and then apply it to the sting site.
Herbs and Oils:
Aloe vera
Lavender essential oil
Tea tree oil
Calendula cream
Preventions
Employer references:
Employers should protect their workers from getting stings from bee or insects by training them about:
Their risk of exposure
Insect identification
How to prevent exposure
What to do if stung
Worker references:
Workers should take the following list of preventions to stay out of the risk of any harmful bee stings:
If you are attacked by several stinging insects at once, run to get away from them. (Bees release a chemical when they sting, which may attract other bees.)
Go indoors.
A shaded area is better than an open area to get away from the insects.
If you are able to physically move out of the area, do not attempt to jump into the water. Some insects (particularly Africanized Honey Bees) are known to hover above the water, continuing to sting once you surface for air.
Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing.
Remain calm and still if a single stinging insect is flying around.
Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, and deodorants.
Wear clean clothing and bathe daily. (Sweat may anger bees.)
Keep work areas clean. Social wasps thrive in places where humans discard food.
Don’t drink from open soda cans.
Stay away from uncovered garbage cans.
If a bee comes inside your vehicle, stop the car slowly, and open all the windows.
Workers with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should consider carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and should wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace stating their allergy.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bee-stings/symptoms-causes/syc-20353869
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/insects/beeswasphornets.html
