Bee stings are notoriously painful and can result in painful swelling. Bee bites are painful because bees release the stinger into the skin and die in the process. However, this applies only in the case of honeybees. As wasps and similar species do not lose their stinger, they don’t die. The stinger releases venomous toxins in the body that causes pain and other symptoms.
For most individuals, this is no cause for concern. It is simply a site of swelling, redness, pain, itching, and warmth. However, for those who are allergic to bees or individuals who have been stung by multiple bees, bee stings can be problematic. In fact, it can even turn fatal!
If you are looking for tips on how to treat bee stings, then read on to know more!
The toxic compound that the bee releases through its stinger is called ‘Bee Venom. ’ It is a colorless and acidic liquid compound composed of enzymes, minerals, amino acids, and sugars. It possesses anti-inflammatory and inflammatory agents.
About 50% of the dry weight of bee’s venom is composed of Melittin(1), a complex chemical containing 26 amino acids. It possesses antiviral, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. It is responsible for causing the painful sensation when the bee stings.
In addition to Melittin, bee’s venom also contains phospholipase A2, which is an enzyme that triggers major allergic reactions. It is capable of causing inflammation and cell damage.
Phospholipase A2 also possesses anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective qualities! |
The body’s bee sting reaction is usually mild, and quite often, the body deals with toxins(2). A bee sting could display the following symptoms:
A strong reaction to allergens is called anaphylactic shock, and it can be life-threatening. Those severely allergic to bee stings could display the following symptoms:
If you display signs of an oncoming anaphylactic shock as cited above, then see a medical professional immediately.
Anaphylaxis occurs in about 5% of Americans, and about 40 people die due to insect sting reactions every year!
If you have been stung by a bee, the immediate first aid is to remove the stinger. Removal of the stinger curbs the amount of bee venom released into the body. Make use of the edge of a credit card or your fingernails to remove the stinger immediately.
Male bees cannot sting! However, female bees only sting when they are threatened or provoked.
Next, wash the area with soap and water. Ice the affected area to reduce swelling and to prevent the absorption of toxins by the skin. Follow this with natural remedies for bee sting relief.
Essential oils provide a host of benefits and have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial properties. You can topically apply these essential oils for bee stings.
Tea tree oil is a well-known natural remedy for a variety of health issues and skin conditions.
Tea tree oil possesses medicinal and anti-inflammatory(3) properties, which can alleviate the pain and bring down the swelling. It is also a potent antiseptic, which will cleanse the site.
Apply the oil at least twice a day.
Tea tree oil also has insect repelling properties.
Lavender oil offers a host of benefits to the skin and hair. It is one of the most popular fragrances used in aromatherapy.
Lavender oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which help reduce the swelling.
Do this 2-3 times a day.
Here are a few items that you can apply topically to the affected area in order to relieve the swelling and the pain.
Baking soda is one of the oldest and most reliable home remedies for treating insect bites and stings. Thus, baking soda paste for bee stings should be your go-to natural remedy.
The alkaline nature of sodium bicarbonate(4) (Baking Soda) counters the acidity of the venom and relieves the itchiness and inflammation present in the affected area.
Apply this paste 2-3 times daily.
The baking powder that we use today had been discovered by Alfred Bird in the year 1843!
The frond of aloe vera leaf contains a viscous gel, which can greatly benefit the skin.
Aloe vera gel possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which help in relieving the pain, inflammation, and swelling that accompany a bee sting.
Apply this gel 2-3 times a day.
It’s rather ironic that you would use the bee’s saliva to cure the bee’s sting. But well, that’s how nature works!
Honey contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents(5), which can help with the pain and itching. Further, the antioxidants present in honey boost the wound healing capacity of the body.
Apply honey 2-3 times in a day.
Honey is extremely potent in treating allergies!
Applying turmeric paste to boost wound healing has been an age-old practice in Ayurveda.
Turmeric contains active compounds called curcumin, which by virtue of its anti-inflammatory properties, can bring down the swelling and relieve the other symptoms caused by the bee’s sting.
Apply the turmeric paste at least twice a day.
Following are some highly effective home remedies for bee stings
Calendula is an antiseptic cream that is used to treat minor cuts and wounds.
As Calendula cream is antiseptic, it can prevent infection or invasion of pathogens. Further, it is highly effective in relieving the itchiness and helping the body heal.
Apply the cream once a day to gain relief from the bee sting
You can make use of apple cider vinegar for bee stings. Learn how!
The anti-inflammatory property of apple cider vinegar soothes the swelling while the antimicrobial agents prevent any further infection of the site.
Clean the sting area with apple cider vinegar 2-3 times a day.
Normally, a bee sting can be easily treated at home. However, if you have been stung by a couple of bees or have a history of breathing or heart problems, then you may consider visiting a doctor. Further, if you show any of the following symptoms, you could possibly be going in anaphylaxis:
If you exhibit any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor immediately.
Bee sting, accompanied by swelling, pain, redness, and a sharp burning sensation, can be easily treated at home. In fact, the pain and irritation will wear off in a couple of hours. However, some individuals may react strongly to a bee’s venom, and the symptoms may persist longer. Regardless, trying out the natural remedies given above will offer you significant relief and comfort.
Let’s conclude with a vital tip: move away from the area immediately after a bee stings you. This is crucial as bees release a chemical, which attracts other bees when it stings. And thus, moving to a safer space is important to prevent being stung further.
Below are some of the frequently asked questions in respect of bee stings.
When you have been stung by a bee, you need to remove the stinger and clean the area with soap and cold water. Apply an ice pack to control the swelling. Additionally, try out the home remedies listed above to recover immediately.
If the stinger is still logged into your skin, scrape over it with your fingernail. You could also make use of the flat edge of a credit card or a blunt knife to scrape off the stinger.
NOTE: It is strongly advised that you should NOT squeeze the stung area as it will release more venom inside your skin. Thus avoid items like tweezers to remove the stinger.
Depending on the intensity of the swelling, a bee sting could leave behind swelling that lasts from a couple of hours to 5 to 10 day.