How to Treat an Allergic Reaction to a Bee Sting

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Medical ID device
• Personal history/knowledge

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. 
   EpiPens contain life-saving medication for people with severe allergies and are extremely easy to use. Most simply require pressing against a leg (even through clothing) and pushing a button.

   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. 
   A little humor never hurts to ease a situation!

   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.

[starlet67]

on 3/31/2009 Good tip about not using tweezers to remove an embedded stinger since it can cause more venom to be released!Great tips for dealing with bee stings!5*

[Ladybugblue]

on 5/27/2008 This was a great article. I really didn't have any knowledge of bee sting medical treatment. In case, I encounter this situation,this information will be very useful. Thanks!

[writetruth]

on 5/22/2008 We carry a EpiPen when we camp. Great article. Also, for those a little allergic: give them benedril and mix up some water with meat tenderizer. Rub the tenderizer mixer on the sting. It will soothe it and pull the poisen out of the area. Had to do this for my daughter when a yellow jacket got her when she was two. It worked great. 5 Stars ~!!~