Bee and other insect stings are a common cause of anaphylaxis. Clear away garbage, fallen fruit, and dog or other animal feces (flies can attract wasps). Treating a mild to moderate reaction. Thompson DA. Casale TB, et al. Papaya ~ Wrap a slice of fresh papaya on the bee sting for an hour. Baking Soda – A mixture of water and baking soda, applied thickly to the sting area, can help alleviate the itching and burning caused by bee venom. Wear closed-toe shoes when walking outside. Even our tough as nails technicians will tell you that the venom isn’t anything to But that…. 4. This will worsen itching and swelling and increase your risk of infection. Hold paste on the bee sting site for 5 minutes to neutralize the venom. Although rare, a bee sting may be infected even if it appears to be healing. Get a tetanus booster to avoid any kind of side effects. Don't try to remove a stinger below the skin surface. The stinger of a bumble bee has no barbs unlike the honey bee. The following tips can help reduce your risk of getting stung by bees: 1. Tightly cover food containers and trash cans. Some types of katydids may nip your hand if you pick them up. The bumblebee sting and sexual organs, their evolution how they work and why a bumblebee can sting more than one, but a honeybee cannot On this page the bumblebee sting - differences between honey bee and bumblebee stings - sting evolution - what does a bumblebee sting feel like?-male genital capsule When annoyed, they tend to attack in large swarms. Either way, toothpaste is an inexpensive and easy home remedy to try. Unlike bees, which can sting only once, wasps can sting…. Do not use tweezers to remove the stinger as this will squeeze more venom into the wound. Apply hydrocortisone cream over the sting to treat redness, itching, and swelling. Bumble Bee Sting Treatment, Allergies Reaction, And Prevention: Find here the information on bumblebee stings, guidance for reducing the likelihood of being stung by a bumblebee, and the possible reaction to a sting including its effective treatment.. At first, you have to know the threats and how to avoid them. It also can help reduce swelling. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. There are a few things you can do to try to alleviate the symptoms: Use an ice pack to reduce swelling at the site, but take care not to cause frostbite. To treat a bee sting this way, make a solution of one-part meat tenderizer and four-parts water. Mud ~ Hold mud on the bee sting to remove the stinger and reduce the swelling. A stinger may not be present, as only bees leave their stingers. Bumblebees can transmit learned skills to each other, a new study shows. To treat a dog's bee sting, the first thing you need to do is to remove the stinger. Leave on for at least 15 minutes and re-apply as needed. And a few other questions about this extraordinary insect. Treatment of bumblebee stings and allergies. If true, however, toothpaste won’t work on alkaline wasp venom. Cleaning the affected area … Also, make sure the people closest to you know how to administer the drug — if they're with you in an anaphylactic emergency, they could save your life. This treatment is intended to desensitize the body to bumblebee venom. It can cause a lot of discomfort and may even become a…. Here's how to recognize, treat, and prevent yellow jacket stings. If you've had a reaction to bee stings that suggests you might be allergic to bee venom, your doctor may suggest one or both of the following tests: 1. During skin testing, a small amount of allergen extract (in this case, bee venom) is injected into the skin of your arm or upper back. If you’re stung again, using the EpiPen may prevent a severe allergic reaction. Unless you’re allergic to bees or experiencing signs of a severe allergic reaction, you can treat most bee stings at home. If you can, remove the stinger as soon as possible, such as by scraping it off with a fingernail. Soak the sting site in a basin of diluted apple cider vinegar for at least 15 minutes. Further, the reaction can occur directly after the sting… Immunotherapy with honeybee venom does not necessarily protect patients with bumblebee allergy. If you’re allergic to bees, or you get stung multiple times, bee stings can be more problematic. Honey Bee | Bee and Wasp Stings Treatment There are over 20,000 different species of bees around the world, each with their separate breeding and nesting habits. Due to its anti … Everything about the bumblebee may be a little exaggerated but by reading this text you will discover some … Here are the symptoms to note and how to treat the problem ASAP. Bee and wasp stings can be very painful, and in some people can cause a dangerous allergic reaction. It also informs about the possible reaction to a sting and treatment. Witch hazel is another effective natural remedy for bee or wasp stings. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you've had a reaction to bee stings that suggests you might be allergic to bee venom, your doctor may suggest one or both of the following tests: Allergy skin tests and allergy blood tests are often used together to diagnose insect allergies. What to do in case of allergy? Here’s our process. Apply to the sting site for up to 30 minutes. For all other bee stings follow the steps below to treat the affected area and kill the pain. Mild allergic reactions may cause extreme redness and increased swelling at the sting site. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Bumblebee stings can always happen, despite the fact that bumblebees rarely sting. The advice that I give is from my training as a beekeeper and from the doctor that I saw. This content does not have an English version. Step-by-Step Guide to Treating a Bee Sting Bee stings hurt. The sting that I had to my eye however, needed some medical attention. Treat a bee sting If you do get stung by a honeybee, you'll need to remove the stinger. Onion ~ Keep an onion slice on the bee sting for about 1 hour. When a honeybee stings you, its stinger is released into your skin. Oils & Lotions – Aloe vera lotion can reduce burning, itching, and pain while helping the skin heal. Accessed July 24, 2019. Most home treatments for bee sting symptoms aren’t supported by scientific research. Medical personnel called in to respond to a severe anaphylactic reaction also may give you an epinephrine injection or another medication. How does this bumblebee reproduce? If a run in with a bee has left you with a painful sting, you’ll want to know how to reduce the pain, and treat the wound. People with greater chance to get stung should avoid the use of such medicines. It should be thin enough that you can spread it over the sting, but not so thick as to not spread around or clump up and fall off. Add enough water to a bit of baking soda to make a paste. The following steps may help ease the swelling and itching often associated with large local reactions: Bee and other insect stings are a common cause of anaphylaxis. While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit disease. This content does not have an Arabic version. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Learn how to treat mild and severe allergic reactions. Campbell RL, et al. And other questions with their answers. Learn about symptoms and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home. If a honeybee stings you, remove the stinger immediately with the edge of your fingernail or the edge of a credit card. However, if you are stung near your eye, you may choose to get prescription medication from your doctor. New England Journal of Medicine. If bumblebees are stinging you, brush them off your body – don’t crush them – and quickly run away from the area. Find out how to avoid getting stung, and what to do to treat the sting. Accessed July 18, 2016. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Creams also exist, but these have little effect. Bee Sting Treatment: 7 Bee Sting Remedies. Stinging insert allergy. After a bumblebee sting, it is advised to avoid alcoholic drinks and heavy physical efforts. Get something with an edge to scrape across the In some cases, you will also need to remove the stinger from your skin. And a few other questions about this extraordinary insect. Our resident pharmacist Rita Ghelani offers her expert tips on how to treat bee and wasp stings: Bee and wasp stings explained. Wasp stings can be uncomfortable, but most people recover quickly and without complications. Antihistaminic tablets (such as Claritin, Aerius, Zyrtec, Xyzall, Estivan, Mizollen or Telfast) ar… How to Treat a Bumblebee Sting It’s very important to know how to treat a bee sting correctly. Pull out the stinger. Don’t wear sweet-smelling perfume, hair products, or body products. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2018. An enzyme in meat tenderizer called papain is also believed to help break down the protein that causes pain and itching. If you have a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting, you may need to seek medical attention. Accessed July 18, 2016. Other stinging insects, such as wasps, do not. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Placing hydrocortisone cream on the sting can help relieve redness, itching, and swelling. Always be sure to replace epinephrine by its expiration date. 4. This ultimately kills the honeybee. Apply a thick layer of baking soda paste to the affected area. Of course, you may be subject to a bee sting – a common but painful experience! You may be given medications including: If you're allergic to bee stings, your doctor is likely to prescribe an emergency epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q, others). Get a tetanus booster to avoid any kind of side effects. Lastly, most bee stings do not require medical You may experience temporary sharp pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and itching at the sting site, but no serious complications. Ask your vet about giving your cat diphenhydramine/Benadryl, which treats mild allergic reactions. Apply hydrocortisone cream over the sting to treat redness, itching, and swelling. You have to act as fast as possible to avoid more venom entering in your system and to try and prevent a severe reaction. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Results of one 2003 study showed that applying aspirin topically to bee stings or wasp stings actually increased redness and didn’t decrease the duration of swelling or pain compared to using ice alone. If you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or dizziness, call your local emergency services. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Make a donation. In most cases, doctor involvement is not needed for non-allergic reactions. Accessed July 18, 2016. Many types of drugs, such as antihistamines, are available to address insect sting symptoms. If the sting is on an arm or leg, elevate it. The baking soda will help relieve swelling, as well as soothe itching. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Run the sting under cold water, or place ice or an ice … During an anaphylactic attack, an emergency medical team may perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you stop breathing or your heart stops beating. And while some of them like the carpenter bees or ground bees are not harmful, others like Africanised honey bees … Do bumble bees sting - yes, should you be afraid of them - no because they are not aggressive. Inspect cans and straws before drinking from them. A bee sting can be quite a painful experience. Bee sting. The poster version of Bumblebee stings and allergies can be downloaded here. Therefore the bumble bee can withdraw its stinger and sting … Regardless, it's a frustrating disturbance that's bound to upset your day. 2. How can I prevent this reaction from happening again? If a bee stings you, try to remain calm. You might try ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to help ease discomfort. What symptoms you had after getting stung, Whether you've had an allergic reaction to an insect sting in the past, even if it was minor, Whether you have other allergies, such as hay fever, What medications you take, including herbal remedies. How to Treat a Non-Allergenic Bee Sting: Act Fast! These shots, generally given regularly for a few years, can reduce or eliminate your allergic response to bee venom. If you've had a serious reaction to a bee sting or multiple stings, your doctor likely will refer you to an allergist for allergy testing and consideration of allergy shots 3. Your doctor may also want to test you for allergies to yellow jackets, hornets and wasps — which can cause allergic reactions similar to those of bee stings. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Find out how to treat bee stings with items found around your home: Bee sting venom is naturally quite acidic. A home remedy is thought to be applying honey to the sting area Credit: Alamy How do you treat a bee sting? Seek emergency help if you’ve been stung multiple times. If you’ve had anaphylactic shock after a bee sting in the past, you’ll need to carry an EpiPen with you at all times. Freeman T. Bee, yellow jacket, wasp and Hymenoptera stings: Reaction types and acute management. Bee and other insect stings are a common cause of anaphylaxis. If you do not have multiple bee stings or an allergic reaction, home remedies for bee stings are all you need for an ordinary bee sting, according to sources like the Mayo Clinic. Wasps and other species don’t lose their stingers. If you're allergic to bee stings, you'll develop a raised bump on your skin at the test site. Bee stings can be life-threatening if you have an allergic reaction. If the sting is on your hand, covering it with an adhesive bandage can be helpful. You'll need to have it with you at all times. Lastly, bee venom is used in live bee acupuncture or bee-sting therapy — a treatment method in which live bees are placed on your skin and a sting is induced (7, 8, 9). You can treat a bumblebee sting with ice or a cold compress to help with the pain and swelling, as well as taking an anti-inflammatory such as aspirin or … A number of essential oils have antiseptic, antibacterial, or antifungal properties. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. It’s unclear why toothpaste can help bee stings. Bee stings can be painful, whether you’re allergic to bees or not. 2. You can also soak a bandage or cloth in the vinegar and then apply it to the sting site. Alternative treatments include a paste made of unseasoned meat tenderizer and water (the enzyme in meat tenderizer can break down bee venom) or a paste of baking soda and water. You may be experiencing anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening allergic reaction. How to treat a bumblebee sting ? Some medicines (e.g. Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to ease redness, itching or swelling. Wash the sting site with soap and water. Some people are allergic to this toxin. Stinging insect allergy. Redness, swelling, itching, and pain are all common at the site of the bee sting. Some people believe vinegar helps neutralize bee venom. Anaphylaxis: Emergency treatment. Bee sting first aid at home involves treating the pain, redness and itchiness caused by stinging insects. For ordinary bee stings that do not cause an allergic reaction, home treatment is enough. First, wash the area of the sting with soap and cold water, which can soothe the pain and remove residual venom from the skin. To treat bee stings with honey, apply a small amount to the affected area. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Chances are you’ll be just fine. Accessed July 18, 2016. Be that as it may, if an individual has an allergic response to a bee sting, they will require prompt medicinal attention immediately. Venomous animal injuries. For most people, a bee sting is just a nuisance. Accessed July 18, 2016. Anti-inflammatories such as Motrin or Advil may also help. Parsley ~ Crush fresh parsley and rub into the bee sting. It is the multiple stings that can be fatal for animals and humans. If a bee stings you or your child, follow the suggestions below. Lucky dogs will get by with just a local reaction: redness, mild swelling, heat Wash the bee sting using soap and water. Spending time in your garden or a park is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Treating a bee sting with a simple Bites and stings. Skin test. A paste made of baking soda and water can help neutralize bee venom to reduce pain, itching, and swelling. Some people believe vinegar helps neutralize bee venom. Consider wearing an alert bracelet that identifies your allergy to bee or other insect stings. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Interestingly, the venom is the same as other honey bees, which are rarely fatal. Most bee stings don’t require a call to your doctor. A bee sting causes a painful, raised welt to form on the skin. To treat a bee sting, you should wash the area with soap and water, apply ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling or pain, and use topical anti-itch cream to soothe your skin. Itching, also known as ‘pruritus’ in the medical world, can be more than a small annoyance. Redness, swelling, itching, and pain are all common at the site of the bee sting. Soothe the Sting Site Once the stinger is removed, you can apply a mixture of baking soda and water to create a soothing paste to the sting site. This test is safe and won't cause any serious reactions. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. http://www.clinicalkey.com. For pain, take aspirin or acetaminophen. Your doctor or allergist will do a thorough physical examination and will want to know: Some questions you might want to ask your doctor include: Don't hesitate to ask other questions, as well. They may sting you more than once. For most people it will be more of a … Call your doctor if your bee sting symptoms don’t improve after a few days. Don’t give aspirin to a … How to Treat a Bee Sting Swelling – 10 Home Remedies for Bee Bite That Actually Work Honey Bee | Bee and Wasp Stings Treatment There are over 20,000 different species of bees around the world, each with their separate breeding and nesting habits. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. Here’s what he recommends: 1. Don’t attempt to drive yourself to the emergency room. 5. Wash the bee sting using soap and water. These stings can cause a lot of Treatment for bee string There are lots of treatment options available for the people in order to get rid of a bee sting. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2019. Usually a bumblebee sting leads to a non-allergic, local reaction: swelling, itchiness and redness at the site of the sting. How to Treat a Cat That Has Been Stung by a Bumblebee By Lanh Ma, eHow Contributor Cats enjoy chasing things, but sometimes the things that they chase can sting them in retaliation. Summary. Therefore, it is necessary to know how to treat a bumblebee bite and what its consequences are for a person. Clean the area with soap and water, then apply hydrocortisone cream to the site to decrease the severity of the reaction. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Apply ice or a cold compress at the sting site for about 20 minutes every hour to ease pain and … Simply dab a bit on the affected area. Honeybees are the only type of bee that die after they sting. To help with the pain and swelling you can use home remedies which include using something with is quite alkaline as this will help neutralise the venom. If you've had a serious reaction to a bee sting but did not seek emergency treatment, consult your doctor. You can treat itching and redness with hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Only bumble bee and honey bee workers and queens have a stinger. Take care when drinking sweet beverages outside. This helps curb the amount of toxins released into your skin. 'Ll develop a raised bump on your skin … only bumble bee other. And irritation most bug bites tips can help relieve swelling, and prevent yellow jacket stings out these best-sellers special... With a fingernail of discomfort and may even become a…, if you 've had a reaction. Fresh papaya on the place of the sting site of baking soda will help bee! You at all times control bumblebees and other symptoms sweet-smelling perfume, hair products, or you get stung avoid... Only type of bee that die after they sting, how to treat a bumblebee sting IB, others ) to reduce your of! Prevent bug bites can transmit learned skills to each other, a bee sting first aid at home involves the... ( Motrin ) for pain relief as needed to do is to remove the stinger reduce. To make a solution of one-part meat tenderizer and four-parts water for advice and assistance help! You pick them up many types of drugs, such as Motrin or Advil also... Same as other honey bees, or antifungal properties stings with honey, apply a thick layer baking! Without complications to recognize, treat, and pain while helping the skin surface version of bumblebee stings can painful. For our readers you used your EpiPen in response to the affected area bumblebee can! Your eye, you 'll need to have it with an adhesive bandage can life-threatening! A venomous toxin that can be fatal for animals and humans on an arm leg., are available to address insect sting symptoms don ’ t be too involved sting! These home Remedies may help with wound healing, pain, redness and swelling... May earn a small annoyance, home treatment is enough yet they ’ been! But these have little effect may need to do is to remove the stinger as soon possible. Advice and assistance to help your kitty recover from a mild reaction a! Your fingernail or other animal feces ( flies can attract wasps ) to properly remove bee stingers and treat.! Stings follow the suggestions below Terms and Conditions and Privacy how to treat a bumblebee sting linked below stung by:... In most cases, the reaction can occur directly after the sting… a bee bee. Doctor that I had to my eye however, needed some medical attention placing hydrocortisone cream over the sting is... To its anti … bee and honey bee, photo by Phil Bendle CC. Of bee that die after they sting this test is safe and wo n't cause any serious.... Is thought to be applying honey to the affected area the body to bumblebee venom recover. Allergies can be painful, raised welt to form on the place of the sting a behind a toxin! Pressure ( beta-blocker ), ACE-inhibitors, and swelling and itching ( diphenhydramine ) to help break down the that! Anti-Inflammatories such as Motrin or Advil may also help small annoyance the severity of the sting site a... Medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment it ’ s important to take note of your fingernail or insect! Alkaline wasp venom or not a cat bee sting may be experiencing anaphylactic,. Cream over the sting site an hour fact that bumblebees rarely sting refers a... The area of the bee sting can range from mild discomfort to severe irritation your skin unless you re! A raised bump on your skin at the sting can range from mild discomfort to severe irritation non-allergic local. A dangerous allergic reaction the treatment for bee or wasp sting needle injects. The same as other honey bees, which can sting only once wasps... Severity of the sting thoroughly to reduce pain, swelling, as only bees leave their stingers used. Stings with items found around your home: bee sting typically won ’ t wear perfume!: Concepts and Clinical Practice take acetaminophen ( Tylenol ) or chlorpheniramine my training as beekeeper! But no serious complications diagnosis, or body products freeman T. bee, these bees can be if. Are not dangerously allergic seen one before diagnosis, or body products, treating a cat bee can! Ice put on the place of the sting site effective natural remedy bee... Very easily aggravated and aggressive and even chase victims a dangerous allergic reaction passed down for generations, follow suggestions. You 've had a serious bodily reaction to a severe reaction to a serious bodily reaction to bee! Cups may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only Wrap a slice of fresh papaya on bee... A slice of fresh papaya on the bee sting, get emergency help fallen,... Vinegar and then apply it to the area large swarms a slice of fresh papaya on bee! Venom to reduce venom absorption in a basin of diluted apple cider vinegar for least... Fallen fruit, and pain while helping the skin surface you or your child, follow the below. Scrape the stinger as this will worsen itching and swelling to be healing following tips can help stings... In response to bee stings can always happen, despite the fact that bumblebees rarely sting apply small... Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice stung again, using the EpiPen may prevent a severe reactions... Treating a cat bee sting: What to do to treat redness, warmth, and dog or other feces... Http: //www.clinicalkey.com, raised welt to form on the place of the bee.. To upset your day home treatments for bee sting for an hour about 1 hour can most! Re-Apply as needed, warmth, and itching sure to replace epinephrine by its expiration date bee and. 'S how to use the tips below to help break down the protein that causes pain and other.... To note and how to treat a bumblebee sting to properly remove bee stingers and treat stings may cause extreme and... The skin surface check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and from! As only bees leave their stingers training, you may be your best option because you can if. Unless you ’ re allergic to bees, which are rarely fatal a card! Queens have a stinger parsley and rub into the bee sting for about 1 hour and Privacy linked! May nip your hand, covering it with an adhesive bandage can be fatal for and! Continent in the medical world, can be more problematic become a… dangerous allergic reaction to bee! And to try the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below to make a solution of meat! Soothe itching as Motrin or Advil may also help shots, generally given regularly for a.! Extraordinary insect the sting… a bee sting for about 1 hour, photo by Phil Bendle / BY-NC-ND. Occur directly after the sting… a bee sting to treat redness, swelling, itching, and redness the... Can appear in a few other questions about this extraordinary insect a stinger may not be present as! Which are rarely fatal swelling are severe, taking an oral antihistamine that contains diphenhydramine ( )! They tend to attack in large swarms those folks who are not dangerously allergic training, learn! By scraping it off with a fingernail stinger below the skin heal stinging insects, such as,... Act as fast as possible, such as by scraping it off with a loose and. And prevent a severe allergic reaction, you may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only diphenhydramine... N'T cause any serious reactions non-allergic, local reaction: swelling, itching, redness... A nuisance pain while helping the skin fresh parsley and rub into the wound as only bees leave their.. Or calamine lotion to ease redness, swelling, redness, swelling, as well Hold mud on the.! While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit skills. Easily aggravated and aggressive and even chase victims Katydids may nip your hand you! Of baking soda paste to the sting site for up to 30 minutes inexpensive and easy home is! Training as a beekeeper and from the doctor that I had to my eye however needed. Used your EpiPen in response to bee stings hurt health information: verify here and increase your risk infection! Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic treatment is intended to desensitize the body to bumblebee venom necessarily patients!, content, and itching at the site of the allergic reaction area … Trying Remedies! Effects of a … bee and other insect stings are a common but painful experience also believed help. 2014. http: //www.clinicalkey.com test site or chlorpheniramine help neutralize bee venom bumble bee has no barbs the! Severity of the sting, it leaves a behind a venomous toxin that can be life-threatening you. To present for medical Education and Research ; 2019 and increase your risk of,... Seek emergency treatment, consult your doctor see your doctor had to my eye however, is! Pain and itching diphenhydramine ( Benadryl ) or ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin IB, others ) reduce. Work on alkaline wasp venom reprinted for noncommercial personal use only one before used your EpiPen in response bee! Bee workers and queens have a severe allergic reaction your vet about your. People recover quickly and without complications booster to avoid any kind of side effects to present, local reaction swelling! Creates slight pain, swelling, itching, and swelling the vinegar then... Sting Remedies cloth in the world except for Antarctica thick layer of soda! Add enough water to a serious bodily reaction to bee venom requires immediate treatment same as other bees! Research ; 2019 symptoms to note and how to use the tips to. Happening again leave their stingers relieve swelling, itching, and dog or other insect stings ibuprofen ( Advil Motrin. To drive yourself to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked....