Though harmless, a bee sting can be unbearably painful. One minute you’re chilling in the park or your home garden, and the next thing you know, you have a big, swollen finger or face that feels warm and piercingly tender. A state of panic is likely to ensue, but experts recommend staying calm and taking some first-aid measures.
The immediate and most important thing to do after a bee sting is to remove the stinger quickly, according to a 2020 review published in the journal Cureus. This can be done either by scraping with a dull object or by pinching and pulling. You also need to wash the area with soap and water and should avoid scratching the affected area to avoid an infection.
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While pain and swelling around the site of the bee sting usually subside and heal on their own, you can try certain home remedies to speed up the recovery and reduce discomfort.
Ice Pack
Ice packs are a great way to reduce swelling and ease pain. Applying an ice pack to a bee sting can be a helpful way to ease discomfort. It helps numb the site of the sting, offering temporary relief from pain. You can also wrap the ice pack in a cloth to avoid irritating the skin. Apply it for ten minutes at a time and repeat as needed.
Calamine Lotion
The Mayo Clinic recommends applying hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to ease redness, itching, or swelling from a bee sting. In general, it is an Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicine in the form of a topical lotion used to treat pruritus or mild itchiness.
Honey
Honey holds various benefits for your skin. It acts like a natural moisturiser that keeps your skin hydrated and supple, and it is also high in antibacterial properties that help fight acne and can even soothe eczema or psoriasis. This also makes it a great remedy for treating bee stings. You can apply a small amount of honey to the sting site, but ensure that you stay indoors to avoid attracting more bees.
Also Read: How To Provide First Aid In Case Of Insect Bites And Stings
Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender and tea tree oil are known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, which help relieve pain and reduce swelling. They can be applied by diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and dabbing a few drops of the mixture onto the site of the bee sting.
Baking Soda
Interestingly, baking soda is one of the many treatments approved by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for mosquito bites. Some believe that the same remedy can be applied to bee stings. It can be prepared by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste. You can then apply it to the affected area and wait ten minutes. After the recommended duration, rinse the paste.
Toothpaste
Although there is no scientific evidence to suggest that toothpaste cures bee stings, many people still swear by it. Some believe that the alkaline toothpaste might neutralise the bee venom. While there is no research to back the claim, if you do try it, only use a small amount and wash it off if you experience any skin irritation.
Conclusion
Bee stings can be painful and can lead to instant swelling. The first step is to remove the stinger and wash the area with soap and water, following which you can apply various home remedies to ease the pain and reduce swelling. Using an ice pack, administering calamine lotion, or applying lavender essential oil are some of the common measures taken by people. In most cases, the bee stings heal on their own and require no medical attention. However, if a person has been stung by several bees or if the symptoms persist, contacting a healthcare professional may help.