Best Treatment for a Bee Sting

Most people experience a localized reaction when stung and look for the best treatment for a bee sting to reduce pain, redness, swelling and even itching. Unlike wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets, when a honey bee stings, the barbed stinger usually stays in the skin along with the venom sack attached. These barbs work the stinger deeper into the skin. Reactions to bee stings, left untreated, can last for two hours or up to a week. If it lasts longer than this, or in cases where people experience a systemic allergic reaction affecting the entire body, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.

1.

 The Answer Bag lists removing the stinger as the first best treatment for a bee sting. A small dark dot present in the wound means part of the singer still needs to be removed. To remove the stinger, don't try to pull it out. Instead, rub across it with something stiff like a credit card. Rubbing removes the venom sack along with the stinger.

2.

 This might sound odd, but in fact, Dr. Greene Caring for the Next Generation lists this as number three among treatment options for bee stings. Antiperspirants contain the ingredient aluminum chlorohydrate which may lessen the effect of the venom.

3.

 Simply Home Remedies suggests making a paste from Adolph's Meat Tenderizer and applying it to the sting.

4.

 Toothpaste is listed as one of the best home remedies in Slate Magazine's "Sting Operation: What's the best remedy for a bee sting?" The soothing tingle almost feels like it's scratching the itch. Doctors suggest that the glycerin in most toothpastes works to dry out the venom.

5.

 Number four on Dr. Green's site regarding the best treatment for a bee sting is ice or cool water. The cold diminishes the body's allergic reaction. Cold should be applied for 10 to 30 minutes following the stinging incident.

6.

 At Simply Home Remedies, the number one suggested treatment for bee stings is taken orally. An antihistamine provides a measure of relief, plus it helps to stop the reaction from spreading.

7.

 A long time treatment for bee stings, this topical application is found on a variety of lists for the top remedies for bee stings. Mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply directly to the sting.

8.

 Caladryl lotion gets an "excellent" rating from Slate Magazine's bee sting feature. The analgesic soothes pain and calms itching. Symptoms return with a flare in about four hours, so it needs to be reapplied.

9.

 You read this right - mud! The Answer Bag suggests that if you are outdoors and don't have the meds necessary to treat bee stings, applying mud relieves the pain.

10.

 Dr. Greene and Simply Home Remedies agree that if you experience trouble breathing, tightness in the chest or throat, dizziness or nausea, or if swelling spreads or continues after 72 hours, it is best to seek medical assistance.

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