Bee Sting Treatment

Listed below are a number of potential bee sting treatments that you could try in the event of being stung.

I also have a further page with more information about treating bee stings, and there are links to additional information pages about a range of topics from preventing bee stings to anaphylaxis and home remedies for bee stings.

Please note, most bees rarely sting, unless they are provoked or feel threatened. Only females can sting, and would do so if they felt it necessary to defend themselves or their colonies, honeycombs or nests.

The first thing to remember is that prevention is better than cure: leave foraging bees, as well as hives and nests well alone and allow the bees to go about their business in peace. Don’t flap and try to keep calm, as bees seem to sense panic, and this may provoke a stinging incident.

But what if you are stung by a bee?

Step by step treatment for bee stings

Before applying any bee sting treatment, firstly, check to see if the sting remains lodged in the skin. If it does, remove it with a clean blunt instrument, such as the edge of a ruler (wipe the edge of the implement gently over the sting).

There are a number of possible bee sting treatments, but if in doubt, seek advice from your medical physician. Ensure you do not have an allergy to any of the bee sting treatments, and if taking medicines, always read the label and follow the dosage instructions. Be extra cautious when treating children - you may need to consult a doctor, especially with very young children.
Apply calamine lotion if this is suitable for you, in order to help soothe the swelling and inflammation. Alternatively, place an ice pack or ice cube over the sting. You could also take an analgesic such as aspirin, if appropriate for you.
If antihistamines are suitable for you, they can also help to reduce swelling, inflammation and irritation. However, check with your medical doctor to ensure anti-histamines are suitable for you.
In the case of a known allergy to bee stings, ensure an Epi-pen is carried at all times, and used immediately in the event of a bee sting.
There are a number of potential natural bee sting treatments and remedies that can be made from ingredients in the kitchen cupboard, from toothpaste to lemon juice.
However, if a bee sting occurs close to the eye, in the ear, nostril or mouth, visit your doctor as soon as possible to help prevent the incident becoming serious.
If symptoms persist, consult a physician.

Note, there are many treatments available that can be kept in the cupobard in case of future stings.

Natural remedy bee sting treatments

If you are a person who likes to treat ailments using natural and plant based products, there are plenty of books available that might be useful to help you create your own 'natural remedy first aid kit'.

Getting bee stings into perspective

Some media seem to love dramatizing deaths by bee stings. You could almost get the impression that bee stings are a common danger.

The fact is, such incidences are rare – you are more likely to get struck by lightning than you are to suffer a fatal bee sting.

There is greater risk of threat from other humans than bees. You can read more about this in my page providing quick facts about bee stings.

Below are some possible bee sting treatments, including a venom extractor kit.

Prevention is better than cure!

If you are concerned about bee stings, consider using a deet-free repellent.

Repel - is available from Amazon US or

Incognito - is available from Amazon UK.

In the event that you are stung, you might like to try a Venom Extractor Kit - this is obviously something you would need to have in your first aid kit as a precaution, and in advance of the stinging event occurring.

Insect repellent bands are also available, and some are designed with toddlers and very young children in mind.

Click on the following links below to find out more about bee stings.

Bee Sting Facts
What are the real risks associated with bee stings? Do all types of bees sting – even bumblebees? Some of these quick bee sting facts may surprise you!

Treating Bee Stings
Go to further information about dealing with stings.

Prevent Bee Stings
Prevention is better than cure! Go from Bee Sting Treatments to information about how to prevent stinging incidents – some tips may be useful if you have children.

Home Remedies and Natural Bee Sting Remedies
Do you feel a natural or home remedy would be adequate? Take a look at the things you may find in your kitchen cupboard that may help, and make your own bee sting treatments.

Bee Sting Reactions
Most people experience temporary discomfort, but rarely, and allergic reaction to bee stings occurs. Learn more about bee sting reactions, including swellings, allergy and anaphylaxis.

Apiphobia
About the fear of bees and bee stings, and what to do about it.

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