BEE STING

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR BEE, WASP, OR YELLOW JACKET STING

  1. Try to Remove the Stinger (if present):  
    • The stinger looks like a tiny black dot in the sting.
    • There are several different methods of removal. Removing the stinger quickly is more important than how you remove it.
    • Use a fingernail, credit card edge or knife-edge to scrape it off. Don't pull it out. (Reason: squeezes out more venom). If the stinger is below the skin surface, leave it alone.  It will be shed with normal skin healing.
    • In many cases no stinger will be present. Only bees leave their stingers. Wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets do not.
  2. Meat Tenderizer: Apply a meat tenderizer-water solution on a cotton ball for 20 minutes (EXCEPTION: near the eye).  This neutralizes the venom and decreases pain and swelling.  If not available, apply a baking soda solution for 20 minutes.  For persistent pain, massage with an ice cube for 10 minutes.
  3. Local Cold - Ice Massage Method: For pain, massage the area of the sting with an ice cube for 10 min as needed.
  4. Local Cold - Cold Pack Method:
    • Wrap a bag of ice in a towel. (or a bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas)
    • Apply this cold pack to the area of the sting for 10-20 minutes.
    • You may repeat this as needed, to relieve symptoms of pain and swelling.
  5. Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (Adults 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (Adults 400 mg).
    • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, or other contraindications to using this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not use if pregnant. Do not use ibuprofen for longer than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
    • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  6. Antihistamine: If the sting becomes itchy, take Benadryl (Adults 25-50 mg).
    • Do not take Benadryl if you have prostate problems.
    • Antihistamines may cause sleepiness. Do not drink, drive, or operate dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  7. Expected Course: Severe pain or burning at the site lasts 1 to 2 hours.  Normal swelling from venom can increase for 24 hours following the sting. The swelling disappears after 3 to 5 days.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing (generally develops within the first 2 hours after the sting; call 911)
    • Swelling becomes huge
    • Sting begins to look infected
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

Revised 8/2004

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