How to Care for a Bee Sting

Bee stings are ZERO FUN! The skin becomes red, swollen, irritated, and they hurt! I was recently stung by a bee for the first time (believe it or not) and it dawned on me how unprepared I was to care for the wound. So I've put together some simple instructions and information on how to care for a bee sting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Butter knife or Credit Card
• Soap and Water
• Cold Pack
• Acetaminophen

1. Remove the stinger of its visible by scraping gently with the end of a butter knife or credit card.

2. After removing the stinger, wash the area with soap and water.

3. Apply a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling.

4. Apply a paste of baking soda and water and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Take acetaminophen for pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Dabbing on a tiny amount of household ammonia can dull pain and itching as well.

[Felicia822]

on 4/7/2009 This was useful for me, Im allergic to bee. RRC 5*

[Sumia]

on 1/25/2009 Bee stings are the worst. Thanks for the tips :)

[Lolabug26]

on 11/10/2008 Great Article! Thanks!
I ride horses and there were quite a few bees out these last couple of rides. This will definitely help me and my horse out a lot while they are out buzzing around.

[JMontell]

on 11/9/2008 Well that should take the "sting" out of getting stung.

[blaquetweety64]

on 11/4/2008 That sounds a lot cleaner than packing on mud. 5 star