How to treat bee stings

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Bees are flying insects that are related to wasps and ants and are known for their pollination and for producing honey and beeswax. Stings of bees are common outdoor pest and their stings are irritating and home remedies can be carried out to ease the pain of the bee stings. If you will register for first aid training today, you can properly manage the sting site and provide ease to the individual.

Symptoms of bee stings

Bee stings are capable of triggering reactions ranging from temporary pain and discomfort to a severe allergic reaction.

Mild reactions of bee stings

  • The punctured skin has a small white spot
  • An instant and sharp burning pain can be felt at the sting site
  • A slight swelling at the sting area

Moderate reactions of bee stings

There is swelling at the site of the sting that enlarges in the next day or two and there is extreme redness of the skin and heals in five to ten days.

Bee sting
There is difficulty in breathing

A severe reaction also known as anaphylaxis to the sting of bee is possibly dangerous and needs immediate medical help. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include the following:

  • There is difficulty in breathing
  • Swelling of the throat and tongue
  • Some skin reactions such as hives, itching, reddened and pale skin
  • A weak and rapid pulse
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Dizziness, fainting and loss of consciousness

People who develop a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting have 30 to 60 percent of having anaphylaxis the next time they are stung by a bee. Bees and wasp are not aggressive insects but only stings in self-defense.

Symptoms of multiple bee stings

  • Faintness or fainting
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Headaches and fever
  • Convulsions and vertigo

Stings of bees contain a protein affecting the cells of the skin and immune system and causing pain and swelling found around the stung areas. People who develop a bee sting allergy can suffer from dangerous immune system reactions.

Treatment and home remedies

  • Remove the stinger if stung by a honeybee and use a dull-edged object such as a card in taking out the stinger. Avoid using tweezers since it may cause more venom to be injected into the affected areas.
  • Watch for reactions such as vomiting, nausea, wheezing and dizziness. A severe reaction causes anaphylactic shock and hypotension.
  • Elevate the affected area and apply a cold compress to be placed on top of the sting.
  • Make a paste with equal parts of meat tenderizer and water and then apply to the affected areas.
  • Take antihistamine in order to minimize allergic reactions
  • If the affected person has a severe allergic reaction, administer an epinephrine shot at least three times with 20 minutes interval between each injection.
  • Create a mixture of ½ cup hydrogen peroxide and ½ cup water and apply to the affected area, then wash it off after two minutes using warm soapy water. Apply over-the-counter antibiotic on the affected areas. This procedure is helpful in preventing the development of infections.

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