How to Treat Bee Stings with Ingredients from Your Kitchen

Bee stings hurt, of course, but can produce anything from a minor reaction to a serious reaction. Symptoms of a minor reaction include a sharp, burning pain, a red welt and swelling at the site of the sting. Symptoms of a major reaction, though, including hives and itching all over the body, difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and throat, a rapid heartbeat and fainting. Someone having a major reaction needs medical attention but someone having a minor reaction can treat the sting in her kitchen with ingredients she likely has on hand.

Step One

Carefully remove the stinger if still embedded in your skin. Do not squeeze the stinger or you may force more venom into your body, so don't try to pull it out with tweezers; instead, use something like a credit card or blunt knife to gently scrape off the stinger.

Step Two

Wash the area well with plain soap and water. Pat the area dry. Keep it clean and dry as much as possible.

Step Three

Make a paste from baking soda and water and apply liberally to the sting. Leave the paste on for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash it off. This will help relieve the pain and itching from the sting. Don't scratch the sting, even though it itches; you'll just irritate it more and if you break the skin, if could become infected.

Step Four

Repeat the treatment with the baking soda paste several times a day. Between treatments, apply ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort. You might be surprised at how much relief you get from a simple ice pack.

Warning

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to bee stings, develop hives, have a very large area of swelling, faint or have difficulty breathing, call 911 and get emergency medical help right away. If you're not sure if you or someone else needs medical help, play it safe and call 911. It never hurts to have a professional look at the sting. If you have a history of severe reactions to bee stings, talk to your doctor about whether or not you should be prepared to inject yourself with epinephrine at home if you ever get stung again.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bee-stings/DS01067/DSECTION=symptoms . Bee Stings - Symptoms.

University of Maryland Medical Center. http://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/bee.htm . Bee Stings.