To find the stinger look for a small black dot in the affected area. Do not use tweezers to remove the stinger. Tweezers will squeeze the stinger forcing more venom to be released. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Do not pop any blisters that form after the sting. Popping them will only help to spread infection. [3] X Research source
Keep the sting elevated if it’s on a leg or arm to reduce swelling. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Don’t hold a cold compress against your skin for longer than 10 minutes since it could cause tissue damage.
Do not scratch the affected area before it is healed. Scratching will worsen the swelling and give you a higher chance of infection. [5] X Research source
Common essential oils are tea tree, witch hazel, lavender, thyme, and rosemary oil. The ratio of essential oil to carrier oil should be one drop of essential for every four drops of carrier oil. Keep in mind any additional allergies when using essential oils.
Only apply honey to the sting area once inside and safely away from any bees. Honey can often attract more of them.
Basic pain relievers to look for: Ibuprofen, Children’s Motrin, Motrin IB, or acetaminophen. [7] X Research source
Look for an antihistamine that contains Chlorpheniramine or Diphenhydramine. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source You can also try 25-50 mg of Benadryl, but it may make you sleepy. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Once applied, be sure to not contaminate the ointment with anything else. Otherwise, you’ll need to rinse it off and re-apply.
This is to be used in severe cases when symptoms are aggressive. Epinephrine is a chemical that increases the flow of oxygen to the lungs signaling the pumping of more blood, which allows the muscles to relax. [12] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source An EpiPen is only needed if the individual develops anaphylaxis from their allergy to bees. Teach friends and family how to use an EpiPen in case of emergency. If you have severe reactions to insect bites, consider wearing a MedicAlert bracelet so first responders know about your allergy.
