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 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, and prevention is better than cure: leave foraging bees, hives and nests well alone and allow the bees to go about their business in peace. Keep calm, to avoid provoking a stinging incident.

But what if you are stung by a bee?

Step by step treatment for bee stings

1. 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.  Be especially vigilant if a child is stung in a sensitive area.
   
   
2. Otherwise, before applying any treatment, first 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, by wiping the edge of the implement gently over the sting).
   
   
3. Apply calamine lotion if this is suitable for you, to help soothe 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.
   
   
4. If you are able to take antihistamines, they can also help to reduce swelling, inflammation and irritation. Please read the medicine label if you are unsure about whether you can take antihistamines, or alternatively, speak with a pharmacist.
   
   
5. In the case of a known allergy or severe reaction to bee stings, ensure an Epi-pen is carried at all times, and used immediately in the event of a bee sting to avoid.
   
   
6. If you have nothing in the first aid cabinet to treat the sting, check your kitchen cupboard for products that might help.  See these home remedies. 
   
   
7. If symptoms persist, consult a physician.
   
   

Getting bee stings into perspective

It's not uncommon to see the dangers of bee stings being exaggerated in the media, and some people do have a fear of bees  (apiphobia).  Yet how often do you walk by flowers in a window box, wildflower verge, garden, public planting scheme and so on, without every being stung?  

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

You can read more about this in my page providing quick facts about bee stings.

That said, prevention is better than cure!  You could try a repellent containing Picaridin. 

In addition to which, there are steps you can take to repel wasps and bees from an area.

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