Tips For Dealing With A Bee Sting
Posted on: 4 November 2016
A bee sting can be a painful experience that could result in symptoms ranging from a little swelling to a life-threatening allergic reaction. If you are stung by a bee and experience intense itching and redness around the wound accompanied by shortness of breath and dizziness, you may have developed an allergic reaction to the venom and should seek immediate medical treatment.
If you aren't allergic to the venom, you could still experience pain and swelling for hours after the incident, especially if you don't follow proper emergency steps to remedy the situation. Here is a look at simple home treatments procedures to use so as to ease the discomfort and swelling after being stung by a bee.
Remove the stinger and wash the area
The first step is to remove the stinger immediately so as to keep the venom from spreading. To do this safely, use a fingernail or credit card to scrape off the stinger, taking care not to break it and leave the tip embedded in the skin. You should also avoid pinching the stinger as you attempt to pull it out, as this could inject more venom into your body.
Next, wash the area with antiseptic soap and water so as to eliminate any bacteria in the wound that could cause an infection and then rub some ointment around the wound to ease the itching. You can also place an ice pack on the wound to help ease the swelling and numb the pain. Pain medications can be taken if you experience excessive pain.
Apply a home remedy
Baking soda can be an effective remedy for bee stings, as it is essentially an alkaline substance that can quickly neutralize the acidic venom injected into the skin. Mix a bit of baking soda with water to form a thick paste and apply it to the wound. The paste will usually ease any pain and swelling, after which you can wash off the area with cold water.
Other alkaline substances such as apple cidar vinegar or white vinegar could also work to neutralize the venom and ease your itching and swelling. Simply soak a cotton ball in undiluted vinegar and hold it against the wound for several minutes.
Another effective remedy for sore stings is honey, which is typically an antiseptic product that can help reduce the risk of an infection. Apply a bit of honey and rub it gently on the wound to ease your discomfort and initiate the healing process. For more information, visit websites like http://www.oakbrookallergists.com.
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