How to Remove a Bee Stinger

Bee stings are very annoying and painful. In some cases, if proper measures aren't taken, they can be deadly. Most people will experience a bee sting at some point in life, so it is important to know how to remove the stinger. It is also important to seek further treatment if necessary. Using a few basic steps will help you get the bee stinger out, and ensure that the pain and adverse reactions are as minimal as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Soap and warm water
• Cold compress
• Epinephrine auto-injector (if allergic)
• Benedryl (optional)
• Antihistamines (optional)
• Calamine lotion (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Make sure there is no longer a threat of being stung. This is especially important. Sustaining numerous bee stings may lead to the necessity of medical attention. Get out of the area you were stung in immediately.

• 2

  Remove the bee stinger immediately. Many people say it is unsafe to pull the stinger out with your fingers or tweezers. A study at UCR Entomology came to the conclusion that there was no great difference in reactions, whether you pull the stinger out or scrape it off. The most important thing to do is remove the stinger as quickly as possible. The longer a stinger is left in the skin, the more adverse the reaction will be.

• 3

  Go to the hospital immediately if you (or someone else) are stung more than 10 times. Also go to the hospital if you were stung in the nose, mouth, or throat. Swelling in these areas can cause shortness of breath, even if the bee sting victim is not allergic.

• 4

  Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Afterward, apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. This is especially important with young children. If you (or the sting victim) are allergic to bee stings, check for your epinephrine auto-injector (known as EpiPen). If you have it, use as directed. If you do not have this device, but are supposed to, call 911 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

• 5

  Keep an eye out for symptoms of anaphylaxis, even if you aren't allergic. These symptoms are itching, hives (raised welts), redness, and shortness of breath. If these signs appear, call 911 immediately. Benedryl will help to slow the reaction, but will not stop or prevent it.

• 6

  Use antihistamines apply calamine lotion if itching occurs. Aloe vera can also be used. Itching is a natural reaction to a bee sting, so it is nothing to worry about.