Bee stings are painful, but they are even more painful if you leave the stinger on your skin. Bee stings contain poison, so the sooner you remove it, the faster the healing process. Learn how to remove the stinger and treat symptoms around the wound. If you have severe allergy symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Releasing the Sting
Step 1. Call the emergency medical assistance number
If you have a severe allergy to bee stings or experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Dizziness or weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen tongue
- Itchy rash
Step 2. Use an object with a flat surface to remove the stinger
In general, a bee sting will look like a black dot on the skin. Objects such as credit cards, nails, or blunt knives can be used to remove the stinger. Push the stinger out with a prying motion.
Prying out the stinger can also stop the venom from spreading
Step 3. Use tongs to pull the stinger out
If you don't want to pry the sting out, use tongs or fingernails. Pinch the tip of the stinger and carefully remove it. Avoid pinching the tip of the stinger facing outward so that the stinger doesn't release more venom.
Some argue that a bee stinger should not be removed with tongs because it causes the sting to release more venom. Even so, the amount of poison released won't be a problem if you expel it quickly
Step 4. Use an ice pack
The stung area will become inflamed and swollen. Ice can reduce pain and swelling.
If you get stung in the leg or hand, raise the area to a higher place
Part 2 of 2: Treating the Stung Area
Step 1. Use hydrocortisone cream
Clean the stung area with mild soap and water before applying hydrocortisone to reduce the sting effect.
If you prefer a more natural treatment, make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stung area
Step 2. Use honey
If you don't have hydrocortisone, dab the stung area with raw honey. Cover the wound area with gauze for an hour before rinsing with water.
Step 3. Use toothpaste
Toothpaste is another natural option that can be used to neutralize bee sting venom. You simply apply a small amount of toothpaste on the wound, cover it with gauze for 20 to 30 minutes, and rinse with clean water.
Step 4. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce pain
Read the instructions for use to find out the correct dosage.
Do not give either of these drugs to toddlers or young children. Buy a special pain reliever for children and give the dose according to the instructions on the package instead
Step 5. Take an antihistamine to reduce the body's harsh reactions
You can also take Benadryl or use Calamine lotion to reduce itching.
