People react differently to bee stings. The reaction varies depending on the bee species since some are more venomous than others. It’s worth noting that bee stings can be deadly even when you are attacked by only one bee, but it worsens if a large swarm attacks you. This is due to some proteins in the venom that cause anaphylactic shock to people predisposed to allergies. In most cases, you may not need to seek medical attention after a bee sting since most complications respond well to homemade medication. If you notice bees in your backyard, the best approach is to call a licensed pest control expert. Team Veterans Pest Control in Summerville, SC, is a licensed pest control company and will professionally handle the situation. Below we look at expert tips on what to do in case a bee stings you.
Remove The Stinger
You should remove the stinger as soon as possible since delay leads to the injection of more venom into your body. Bee stingers continue discharging venom even after they get detached from the bee. If possible, pull it out with some force to ensure it does not break. You may also scrape the area with a fingernail to ensure no residue remains. Avoid squeezing the stinger as this means the release of more venom.
Wash And Apply Cold compression
Washing the area with water and soap helps clean out the venom to avoid spreading to other parts of the skin. This is very important, especially to people with allergies, since the more the venom stays on the skin and spreads, the more complications could develop. A cold compression using ice helps reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.
Elevate the Affected Area
A bee sting can escalate into an enormous swelling which can cause panic. Elevating the affected areas can help reduce the swelling depending on the location. This also helps to stop the spread of the venom beyond the affected area.
Apply A Topical Anesthetic Or Seek Local Treatment Immediately
Ensure the anaesthetic has both benzocaine and menthol. Menthol helps prevent itching. Other anti-itching alternatives include steroid creams and antihistamines. Benzocaine, on the other hand, helps relieve pain quickly. Whenever there are complications resulting from anaphylactic shock, epinephrine-which is an adrenaline injection- should be administered immediately. This comes packaged as EpiPen, a self-injectable treatment that can be carried around and used in emergencies. The injection is highly recommended to people who are allergic to insect bites as a safety precaution. Some of the immediate signs to look out for include swelling of the tongue, dizziness, a rapid pulse, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, a tight throat and loss of consciousness
Use Home Remedies
Many home remedies have been suggested as possible bee sting treatments. These include honey, baking soda, apple cider vinegar tooth paste and meat tenderizer. Herbs containing wound healing properties such as aloe vera, lavender essential oil, tea tree oil, witch hazel and Calendula cream may help relieve symptoms.
Seek Medical Attention
Generally, you may not need to see a doctor after a bee sting. However, a bee sting can result in complications due to the venomous nature of some bee species. Every year, between 70 to 80 people in the United States die as a result of allergic reactions to bee sting. Thousand more experience serious reactions that may require further observation from a doctor.
Look out for the following signs and seek further medical attention; fever and chills, prolonged reddening of the skin, or pus coming out of the affected area. The area may continue to swell or become more painful with time which is one of the signs of an infection—other symptoms of the life threatening condition include nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, hives and headaches. It’s important to watch out for the allergic reactions even if you have been stung before with no reaction. Do not make assumptions especially when symptoms are evident. The doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics and may also do a skin culture to ascertain the seriousness of the infection.
For most people, a bee sting is unavoidable, regardless of how careful one may be. Bees are attracted to sweet fragrances, and this means you can invite them even without knowing. Brightly coloured clothes with flower prints also attract bees to you since they see flowers ready for pollination. Avoid strong fragrances when going outdoors and ensure you are well covered, especially when visiting areas prone to bees.