Bees may sting to defend themselves or other bees in the hive. A bee sting can be quite painful for a human and can cause skin redness, swelling and pain. However, the effect of a bee sting is much more complex than such a simple reaction. The reaction that occurs after a bee sting is an immune response of the person’s body to bee venom. This response occurs when the body’s immune system perceives bee venom as a foreign substance and attacks it. While many people experience only mild redness and swelling, some people may have a stronger reaction to bee venom.
What should you do when you get stung by a bee?
A bee sting is a condition that can be painful and uncomfortable for humans. However, in most cases, it can be easily alleviated with simple home treatments. The first step in what to do about a bee sting is to quickly remove the sting. You can speed up the healing process by following some steps for the question “What is good for bee stings?” For answers to the question of how to get rid of bee stings:
- Wash the sting site with soap and water.
- Apply cold compress.
- You can take painkillers (such as ibuprofen or paracetamol).
- You can use antihistamine cream or medication to relieve itching.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Avoid sunlight.
However, for all these, it is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor.
There are also some natural precautions and relaxing treatments that can be taken at home against bee stings. For answers to the question of what is good for bee stings at home:
- If the sting remains in the skin after a bee sting, it should be removed immediately. To do this, it is necessary to carefully pull it with tweezers or a fingernail. However, it is strongly recommended to consult a specialist doctor.
- Applying cold to the bee sting area can help relieve swelling and pain.
- Natural extracts of the aloe vera plant can help reduce skin inflammation and pain after bee stings.
- Rosemary oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties and may help relieve pain caused by bee stings.
- Apple cider vinegar can relieve itching and pain when applied to the bee sting site.
- Oatmeal has skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties
What is good for wasp stings?
Hornet stings can be painful and uncomfortable, similar to bee stings. However, wasp stings can also be treated in a similar way. In this case, you need to consult a doctor, but some treatment methods that can be applied for wasp stings are:
- The needle must be removed immediately.
- Cold compress can be applied
- Aloe vera gel, rosemary oil, apple cider vinegar can be applied
- For severe allergic reactions, consult a doctor.
How to reduce swelling after bee sting?
Cold compress helps relieve swelling and pain. Apply an ice pack or cold towel to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes. Elevating the swollen area above heart level may help reduce swelling. Compresses made with aloe vera gel or chamomile can also help relieve itching and swelling after bee stings.
When does a bee sting go away?
With a mild bee sting, swelling, redness, and itching usually begin to subside within 1 to 3 days. Pain and tenderness disappear completely within a few days. In more severe allergic reactions, swelling, redness and itching may last for several days or weeks. Other symptoms (hives, shortness of breath, etc.) do not improve without treatment.
When are bee stings dangerous?
Bee stings are not dangerous for most people. However, in some cases it can cause serious allergic reactions and can be life-threatening in the following cases:
- If the person has been stung by a bee before and has had a serious allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis.
- If the person has a chronic disease such as asthma, eczema or heart disease.
- If the person is using certain medications such as beta blockers or ACE inhibitors.
- If the person is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If the person is stung by many bees.
- The sting was in a sensitive area such as the face, throat or tongue.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, please consult your doctor.