How to Treat a Bee or Hornet Sting

Do you know how to treat a bee sting? Insects that sting such as bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets can cause mild to severe pain and result in mile swelling to full anaphylactic shock. If you or someone you know is stung by a bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket there are several simple steps you should follow to treat the bee sting.

Instructions

• 1

  First, in order to treat a bee sting remove the stinger if it is still there. The honey bee is the only insect that leaves the stinger behind. You can remove the stinger with the edge of a knife or sharp edge of paper. Don't use tweezers as this can sometimes release cause the stinger to release more venom into the skin.

• 2

  Next, to treat a bee sting or hornet sting wash the stung area with soap and water and apply ice. Ice keeps the swelling down and prevents the venom from spreading. Watch the person to make sure they don't have a strong reaction or allergic reaction.

• 3

  When treating a bee sting or hornet sting it is important torecognize the symptoms. Typical symptoms of a bee sting include redness and a little swelling. But if someone is allergic to a bee sting or hornet sting then they may have symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and even loss of consciousness. If you or someone you know experiences allergic reactions then medical attention is vital. Call emergency medical services and monitor vital signs. If you have a history of allergic reactions to bee stings then carry an Epi-Pen, a syringe of epinephrine that is available by prescription.

• 4

  Last, use an over the counter pain reliever such as Ibuprofen or acetaminophen. An antihistamine will help relieve itching and topical cream will soothe the area.