How to Treat an Allergic Reaction to a Bee Sting

Allergic reactions to bee stings can range from mild local reactions to life-threatening situations.

Bee stings are a common and mostly annoying occurrence during summer. However, some people may have a mild to severe allergy to bee venom, therefore it is important to understand how to help them if they are stung.

Things You'll Need

• Medical ID device
• Personal history/knowledge

Instructions

1. A person with severe bee sting allergies is well-advised to let people around them know and to wear a medical alert device. This is especially important if they are with a group of people they may not know well, for instance at an office picnic.

2. 

   If a person informs you they have a severe bee sting allergy, simply ask what is usually done should a reaction occur. Many people will carry an EpiPen which is an auto-injector of medication to treat severe allergies. It is important to know where this device is and read the simple instructions on how to use it.

3. 

   If a person's reaction is severe, 911 should always be called even if the EpiPen "works." Paramedics are a vital part of our first responder system and can provide additional care, aid and comfort, even if everything is fine.

4. After a person uses their EpiPen, it is a good thing to remind them to replace it with a new one ASAP.

5. Mild allergies are usually pretty simple to deal with and can be self-treated. Simply clean the area with soap and water, but DO NOT use a tweezer to remove an embedded stinger. Squeezing a stinger may actually release additional bee venom into the person.

6. Keep the area clean, apply some antibiotic ointment and apply a simple dressing if needed. Some people may want to take an over-the-counter antihistamine to help with any itching or swelling.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure you know where the EpiPen is and that it is not expired!

• Replace the used EpiPen ASAP! You never know when another sting can occur.

• Keep more than one EpiPen around if you are severely allergic (such as one at school and one in the car).

• Any medical advice on the Internet is for educational purposes only. Always consult your health care provider for any medical injury, treatment or condition.