BEE STINGS

A bee sting is usually a minor problem for most people. It may cause some itching or a stinging sensation and mild swelling. The severity of the reaction depends on the person's sensitivity to insect venom. The venom causes an allergic reaction and may even develop a life-threatening allergic reaction. Prompt emergency care may save their life.

Do the following for the usual bee, wasp, hornet, fire ant, or yellow jacket sting:

Move to a safe area to avoid more stings
If the stinger is still visible in the wound, scrape off the stinger using a credit card or the edge of a fingernail or knife blade.
Wash the area with mild soap and water or swab it with a disinfectant.
Apply a cold pack. Wrap an ice bag in a cloth and apply to the stung area. This reduces pain and swelling.
Apply Calamine lotion, a lotion containing Benadryl, or a paste made of baking soda and water or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
Consider taking an over-the-counter oral antihistamine as directed by the label or a pharmacist.
Stay close to a phone for the next 2 hours. Reactions, if any, will usually take place quickly.

If a person is known to have had allergic reactions to bee or other insect stings in the past, it is a more serious matter. Anyone can have an allergic reaction to a bee sting, even if they were stung before with no reaction. Allergic reactions to bee stings may occur as swelling around the lips and eyes, rapid development of a rash, difficulty breathing, or signs of shock (pale skin, rapid pulse, and fainting). If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 immediately. Check to see if the person is carrying an emergency bee sting treatment kit. Follow the written directions to use it.

People with previous reactions to bee, wasp, hornet, fire ant, or yellow jacket sting, should always carry a "bee-sting kit," Epi-Pen, or Ana-Kit. They should avoid bright clothing and scented toiletries when outside. Hyposensitization therapy, where small amounts of bee venom are given under a doctor's watch, may help decrease future sting reactions.

Africanized honeybees (often known as "killer bees") are more aggressive than the usual honeybee. These bees live in warm climates along the southern border of the United States. They may attack a person or animal in large numbers. This is very rare, but if it happens, try to get into a building or a car for protection. Call the fire department immediately. They can spray foam onto the person, killing the bees. The victim will often require emergency room treatment.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PREP4902.RF2 VRS# 4902 Data Version 7.0