How to Ease The Pain From Bee Stings

Bee stings are painful and can lead to infection. Skin reactions caused by bee stings include itching, burning, inflammation and redness. Knowing the proper first aid treatment for bee stings can lessen the pain of a sting and neutralize the venom. Simple first aid often includes common household items and commonplace medicines. Always clean a bee sting properly before administering pain relief treatment to help prevent infection.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Flat surface, like a credit card
• Acetaminophen
• Antihistamines
• Calamine lotion
• Meat tenderizer

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove the stinger. Sometimes, the stinger becomes lodged in the wound and requires removal. Do not use tweezers, which can release more venom into the wound; instead, use a flat surface, like a credit card, and scrape it across the sting.

• 2

  Apply ice to the wound. An ice packet, wrapped in a washcloth, can reduce swelling and numb the area.

• 3

  Take over-the-counter medications. Acetaminophen is a common painkiller, and can help reduce pain. Antihistamines can also aid in reducing pain. Topical treatments, like calamine and hydrocortisone, can help relieve itching.

• 4

  Make your own salve. Mix one part meat tenderizer with four parts water, and then apply it to the skin for no more than 30 minutes. This breaks up the bee venom and relieves pain.

• 5

  See a doctor. If the pain worsens or symptoms of an allergic reaction appear, like swelling or difficulty breathing, consult a doctor immediately.