Bee stings are rare in the places like cities however it does not mean that a person living in a city may not at all get affected by it. Here is the information about the first aid that can be given to a person affected by a bee sting.Bee stings, especially in the metro cities, are not very common, but are not freakish incidents either. Almost everyone has had bees buzzing around their living rooms at some time.
Here's what to do in case your child gets stung by a bee.
1. Remove the stinger. It should be scraped out, and not pulled out. Pulling out a stinger with your fingernails or with a tweezer causes squeezing, and this releases more venom into your body. Scrape it out with your fingernail or a knife blade.
2. Remember, the venom gland remains attached to the sting, and if it is not removed it will continue to release venom into the body for up to 20 minutes.
3. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. You could even apply a splash of antiseptic like Dettol.
4. Apply some calamine lotion. A better substitute however, would be a baking soda and water mixture for bee stings, and vinegar for wasp stings.
5. Relieve pain and swelling by applying a cold compress on the spot. Put ice in a cloth or plastic wrap. Don't apply ice directly on the skin.
6. Leave the ice wrap on your skin for at least 15 minutes.
Sometimes, your child may have an allergic reaction to the sting. Severe allergic reactions even cause death, so it is important to carefully observe your child for an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction are:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Headache
- Loses consciousness
- Tightness in chest or throat
If any symptoms of an allergic reaction develop, the stung area should be kept BELOW the level of the heart, and urgent medical assistance should be called for immediately.
Bee stings can give rise to following complications:
- Excessive itching
- Tongue and throat may swell
- Pulse rate may increase
- Dizziness and vomiting may be experienced
- The person may get hives
Bee sting can also give rise to dreadful
allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. It is necessary to consult a doctor immediately when the signs and symptoms or reaction are observed.
Other home remedies for bee stings:
In case if the signs of severe allergic reactions or complications are not observed, the bee stings can be easily treated at home using the
home remedies. Here are some home remedies that can help to deal with the symptoms of bee stings.
Tooth paste
As tooth paste is alkaline it can help to reduce the effect of the acidic venom of the sting. A little tooth paste can be just applied to the affected part.
Honey
Honey can provide relief from the symptoms like pain and itching and help in the healing of the wound. The affected part can be covered with a bandage after applying honey on it.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel is a natural remedy for dealing with many skin problems. It can be applied on the affected area for getting relief from itching and pain caused due to sting.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel can be applied to bee and other insect stings to get relief from the symptoms like pain, itching and soreness. It is one of the natural remedies for dealing with such problems.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can be used with a carrier oil to deal with the symptoms of bee sting. It acts as a natural antiseptic and helps to ease the symptoms.
Calendula cream and lavender essential oil can also be used for treating the symptoms of bee stings. It is necessary to consult a doctor immediately if the severe reactions are experienced or if the symptoms do not subside even after using home remedies. It is also necessary to consult a doctor before using these home remedies.