PARENT CARE: BEE OR YELLOW JACKET STING

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR BEE STING

Try to Remove the Stinger (if present): Use a fingernail, credit card edge or knife edge to scrape it off. Don't pull it off. (Reason: squeezes out more venom). If the stinger is below the skin surface, leave it alone. It will be shed with normal skin healing.
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 aluminum-based deodorant or a baking soda solution for 20 minutes. For persistent pain, massage with an ice cube for 10 minutes.
Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen immediately for relief of pain and burning.
Antihistamine: If the sting becomes itchy, give a dose of Benadryl.
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.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Develops difficulty breathing or swallowing (mainly during the 2 hours after the sting) (call 911)
- Swelling becomes huge or spreads beyond the wrist or ankle
- Sting begins to look infected
- Your child becomes worse or develops 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.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

Insect Bite

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