For most of us, a bee sting is just a nuisance. We may experience a sharp pain, some swelling, itching, and redness at the site of the sting, but nothing serious. However, if you happen to be allergic to bee stings, or you get stung many times, bee stings can become problematic. They can even become life-threatening.
When a honeybee stings you, its stinger is left in your skin, ultimately killing the honeybee. Honeybees are the only type of bee that will die after they sting something. Wasps and other types of bees don’t lose their stingers, meaning they can sting you more than once.
If a bee stings you, it leaves behind a venomous toxin that can cause pain and other symptoms. Some are allergic to this toxin.
If you get stung by a bee, and experience any of the above severe reactions, get emergency medical help immediately. You may be experiencing anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening condition.
Home Remedies for Bee Stings
Unless you happen to be allergic to bee stings or are experiencing signs of a severe allergic reaction, you can treat most stings at home. If a honeybee stings you, remove the stinger immediately – this helps to curb the amount of toxins released into your skin. Wash the sting site with soap and water, then put ice on it to help reduce the swelling and venom absorption.
Most home treatments for bee stings aren’t supported by scientific research, but they have been passed down for generations. The following home remedies might help to relieve bee sting symptoms:
Honey may help with pain, itching, and healing. To treat a bee sting with honey, apply a small amount to the affected area. Cover with a loose bandage and leave it on for up to 4 hours.
Baking Soda
A paste made from baking soda and water can neutralize bee venom to reduce pain, swelling, and itching. Apply a thick layer of baking soda paste to the affected area, and cover with a bandage. Leave it on for around 15 minutes and re-apply as needed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar may also help to neutralize bee venom. Soak the sting site in a basin of apple cider vinegar for around 15 minutes. You can also soak a bandage in the vinegar and then apply it to the sting.
Toothpaste
Some people suggest that alkaline toothpastes can help neutralize acidic honeybee venom. Simply dab a bit of toothpaste onto the affected area.
Aloe vera: Can help soothe the skin and relieve pain. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, break off a leaf and squeeze the gel directly onto the affected area.
Lavender essential oil: Has anti-inflammatory abilities and can help reduce swelling. Simply dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Then dab a few drops of this mixture onto the sting site.
Tea tree oil: This is a natural antiseptic and can help to ease bee sting pain. Mix with a carrier oil and apply directly to the sting site.
Witch hazel: This is a tried-and-tested home remedy for insect bites and bee stings. It can help decrease inflammation, itching, and pain. Apply witch hazel directly to the bee sting.
Decreasing Your Risk of Being Stung
If you know that you will be spending some time outdoors, take these steps to reduce your risk of being stung by a bee:
• Don’t walk around barefoot.
• Leave beehives well alone.
• Cover your food.
• Don’t wear bright colors with flowery prints.
• Don’t drink from open soda cans.
Source: healthline
Images: depositphotos
Are You Making These 7 Mistakes with Your Cutting Board?
Are you making these 7 mistakes with your cutting board?
Here's a Really Cheap & Easy Way to Clean a Stovetop
Looking for an effortless and cost-effective way of cleaning your stovetop? Then you've come to the right place.
Satisfy Your Curiosity About the Universe with These Q&As
Discover more about the universe by reading through these facts.
Muscle Degeneration Starts with these 8 Early Symptoms!
Are you familiar with muscular dystrophy? Spot the early signs of this disease by being aware of these tips.
Un-Hunch Your Shoulders Easily With These 7 Exercises!
Got hunched shoulders? This guide will help you improve your posture.
Here's How to Make Pretty Opaque Window Frosting!
If curtains aren't really your thing, then why not give opaque window frosting a chance? Here's how to make your own at home.
10 Clever Ways to Eat Less While Staying Healthy
How to eat less and still enjoy yourselves? Here are 10 easy ways to do just that!
14 Creative Uses for Magnets Around the House
Here are some creative and practical ideas to make use of those unwanted magnets, which will benefit both you and the kids.
Eating Out? How to Pick the Healthier Meals
If you're looking to stay on a healthy diet, we have compiled some recommendations for you regarding what to look out for in various international cuisines.
11 DIY Lamp Shades That’ll Brighten Up Every Home!
Lighting makes all the difference in a house's atmosphere but is usually super expensive. now you can make your own lampshades at a fraction of the cost!
Make Your Life Easier With 20 Brilliant Tips!
A collection of brilliant tips that you can find use for every single day.
Dog Walking Tips and Tricks Everyone Should Know
Discover these effective tips and tricks for the perfect dog-walking routine.
10 Surprising Uses for Honey Outside the Kitchen!
While honey may be an essential ingredient to add to your diet, there are a number of other surprising uses for it too.
This Little Kitchen Tool Can Do Wonders for Your Skin
we have compiled a list of ten exercises that can help reduce, eliminate, and prevent wrinkles on your facial skin.
These 10 Fantastic Life Hacks Will Make Your Life Easier
These life hacks will allow you to get things done quicker and generally make your life easier. Watch this informative video now.
Shocking! How Thieves Steal Card Details at the ATM
Take note of some of the most common ways thieves will try to steal your credit card details.
Keep Your Shoes in Top Shape with These Tips and Tricks
Learn how to always keep your shoes in top shape, no matter their age or fabric. I guarantee, it will save you a lot of money because you won’t have to buy new shoes so often anymore.
Can One Determine Personality Traits Off Fingerprint Types?
Dermatoglyphics, the study of fingerprints, is so precise that someone's personality type can be determined simply by looking at their fingerprint patterns!
This Town Was Built Especially for People with Dementia
This small Dutch village is designed for and entirely populated by residents with dementia and Alzheimers.
Here Is the Secret For Making the Perfect Hamburger
This video is for those of you who are hamburger enthusiasts and want to learn everything there is to know about making a savory burger.
You Definitely Should Try These Amazing Cleaning Hacks
If blotches and stains are putting an dampener on how the interior of your home looks, be sure to learn these 20 unusual but super neat hacks.
7 Sounds Your Cat Makes and What They Mean
This video will show you the 7 different sounds cats make and the purpose for each of them.
10 Delicious Microwave Hacks That Will Make Cooking Easier
Your microwave has a few more tricks up its sleeve! 10 more tricks, to be more precise, that will unlock your microwave's hidden potential.
12 Things Veterinarians Want Pet Owners to Know
To be in the know, you better read the 12 things that veterinarians want to tell you - the pet owners.
These Uses For Yogurt Will Leave You Very Surprised
Yogurt can do a whole lot more than just taste nice. In fact, it has many different uses. Here are 10 alternative uses for yogurt.
Learn the Self-Massage That Treats Back And Neck Pain
Many muscle aches, including back and neck pain, result from muscle bonds called "trigger points" - today you'll learn how to identify and treat these points.
Now is The Last Chance for This Outdoor Winterizing Task
Learn how to seal cracks and potholes in your driveway, and how to winterize your driveway before the first snow.
The Right Way to Fold a Sweater and Keep it Lasting Longer
This guide will teach you exactly how to fold your sweaters.
Cleaning Guide: The Correct Way to do Daily Chores
We could all do with a couple of life-savers every now and then. Check these out!
A Smarter Approach to Measuring Body Mass Index
The body mass index can actually be misleading. Here’s what you should use instead.
How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower: 9 Tips
Is the water pressure really slow in your shower? Here’s what you should do to improve it.
10 Smart Ways to Treat Your Dry Skin!
Suffer from dry skin? You can find these next natural dry skin treating ingredients right in your home...
Look At the Eyes: How to Tell When People Are Lying
According to NLP, one can know whether a person is lying or not only through the eyes. Learn how to do this with the help of this guide ...
Relieve Joint and Back Pain with Desk Ergonomics Tips
Do you know how to set up your desk and how to work at the computer without wreaking havoc on your joints and spine? This video shows
10 Popular Beauty Products That Are a Waste of Money
Some beauty and self-care products are just a waste of your money, and all 10 of these popular items are better off in the trash...
10 Simple Solutions to Removing Paint Stains From Clothes
Got paint stains on your clothes but not sure how to remove them? Here's what to do.
If Your Leather Items Are Dirty, Here's What to Do
If you want to clean your leather items yourself, you'd better read this...
What Happens to Your Breasts When You Don't Wear a Bra
What happens when you don't wear a bra? Here are 8 health benefits of not wearing a bra you may not know about.
Guide: How to Keep Street Cats Away Without Harming Them
This comprehensive guide provides you with a thorough plan of action for each strategy, ensuring that you can execute these tactics efficiently and effectively.
5 Life-Changing Tips for Investing In Your 50+ Years
Looking to secure your cash as retirement approaches? Check out these top five investment accounts for individuals over 50.
12 Things Car Thieves Don't Want You to Know...
Every 43 seconds, a car is being stolen in the United States, which is close to one million vehicles a year. These tips could prevent you becoming a victim.
12 Recipes That'll Add Much Needed Green to Your Diet
If your kids or you hate eating your greens, try these 12 recipes and enjoy the health benefit without the taste you don't like.
Mouthwash Can Do So Much More Than Freshen Your Breath
Did you know mouthwash is the number 1 household product you should keep at hand? Discover its fantastic multiple uses to see why.
11 Household Lifehacks You Should Never Forget
These 11 tips are complete life savers!
WD-40 Has So Many Uses I Can Hardly Believe It!
If you think WD-40 has only one use, you'll be utterly delighted by this list of 11 other uses.
Discover 7 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Great
Check out these seven wonderful ways to keep your home smelling clean and fresh without breaking the bank!
All 11 of These Ordinary Items Have Clever Hidden Features
Not only is it fun to find out the purpose of these secret features, but it’s also quite useful to know them!
14 Common Plants That Are Toxic for Your Pets
Did you realize that many of the plants in our environment are toxic for your pets? Find out which here. If you noticed that your pet has consumed any of these plants, contact your local veterinarian or Animal Poison Control center immediately.