Getting stung by a bee isn’t much fun and can be painful for several hours after. There are many different home treatments out there to help relieve the pain and itch of a bee sting, here are a few home treatments and tips to try if you happen to get stung this summer.
First thing you should do is remove the bee stinger. Look for a small black dot in the middle of the injured area. You want to remove the stinger as soon as you can as it may still have the venom sac attached and continue to release venom. Tweezers work great for effectively removing the stinger. If you have clean water and soap nearby, gently wash the injured area with mild soap and warm water.
Home Treatment for Bee Stings:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the sting
- Toothpaste: Apply just a dab to toothpaste (regular toothpaste not gel) to the sting, allow it to completely dry and then gently rinse off with water
- Ice: Apply and ice pack or cold compress to help relieve swelling and pain
- Epson Salt: Soak injured area in Epson salt and warm water or make a paste with it and apply to injured area
- Baking Soda: Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the sting, allow to completely dry and gently rinse with water. *Paste can also be made with vinegar instead of water
- Mud: Make old fashion mud using dirt and water, apply to sting allow to dry and gently rinse off and be sure to clean well with soap and water
- Lavender Essential Oil: After the area is been cleaned and is completely dry apply 1 drop of lavender essential oil to help soothe pain
- Taking an antihistamine such as Benedryl may help (*after consulting your physician)
- Things that will help cool, numb or at least distracts your mind from the pain will help.
Please Note: The above information is NOT intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice, it’s provided for general knowledge purposes only. If you are allergic to bee stings or think you may be having an allergic reaction to a bee sting, call 911 immediately.
