- If a bee has stung you, and you can see the stinger still attached to your skin, you can remove the stinger by scraping it off. A thin, flat object is best for this. Try using a credit card or driver's license. If it will take too long to retrieve a flat, plastic object, you also can scrape the stinger off with your fingernail. After removal, place a cold rag or some ice on the area in order to reduce swelling and pain. You can also try a topical antihistamine cream or oral medication to help with uncomfortable symptoms.
- Another method of removing a bee stinger is to pull it out. Honeybees leave not only their stinger implanted, but also part of their abdomen (which is attached to the stinger). Simply grasp the visible part of the abdomen and stinger between your thumb and forefinger, and quickly pluck it out of your skin. Follow up with the same types of treatments mentioned in the section on scraping.
- The amount of time that elapses between the sting being administered and the stinger being removed is key to reducing unpleasant side effects. In a similar but even more crucial manner, those who are allergic to bee stings need to respond quickly in order to avoid dangerous complications. If you experience difficulty in breathing, nausea, cramping, significant swelling, headache and/or dizziness following a bee sting, call 911 for immediate help. Allergies to bees can cause life-threatening reactions. Epinephrine is often used to reverse an allergic reaction to a bee sting. This can be administered in the form of an injection by the victim or by another person. If you have known allergies to stings, carry an emergency sting kit with you at all times. Remove the stinger as quickly as possible, administer an injection and call emergency personnel to follow up on the situation.
