Post by mtbnycstyle on Aug 9, 2009 21:04:39 GMT -5
www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=62369
If you are stung by a bee:
Call emergency medical services if you have a history of severe reactions to insect stings or if you experience any severe symptoms as described above.
Determine if the stinger is still present (look for a small black dot at the sting site) and remove it immediately if is visible in the wound. Many doctors recommend using a hard object like a credit card or blunt knife to swipe over the area and remove the stinger.
The honey bee venom sack, which remains in the skin of the victim, can take 2-3 minutes to release all of its venom, so prompt removal of the stinger can reduce the severity of the sting.
Apply ice or cold packs to the area to reduce the body's
inflammatory response.
Clean the area with soap and water, then apply hydrocortisone cream to the site to decrease the severity of the reaction.
Alternative treatments include a paste made of unseasoned meat tenderizer and water (the enzyme in meat tenderizer can break down bee venom) or a paste of baking soda and water.
Taking an antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) in tablet form and/or nonprescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also provide relief of symptoms.
Stings in the mouth or nose, even in persons not known to be allergic to bee stings, also require emergency medical attention, since they can lead to swelling that can interfere with breathing.
If you are stung by a bee:
Call emergency medical services if you have a history of severe reactions to insect stings or if you experience any severe symptoms as described above.
Determine if the stinger is still present (look for a small black dot at the sting site) and remove it immediately if is visible in the wound. Many doctors recommend using a hard object like a credit card or blunt knife to swipe over the area and remove the stinger.
The honey bee venom sack, which remains in the skin of the victim, can take 2-3 minutes to release all of its venom, so prompt removal of the stinger can reduce the severity of the sting.
Apply ice or cold packs to the area to reduce the body's
inflammatory response.
Clean the area with soap and water, then apply hydrocortisone cream to the site to decrease the severity of the reaction.
Alternative treatments include a paste made of unseasoned meat tenderizer and water (the enzyme in meat tenderizer can break down bee venom) or a paste of baking soda and water.
Taking an antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) in tablet form and/or nonprescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also provide relief of symptoms.
Stings in the mouth or nose, even in persons not known to be allergic to bee stings, also require emergency medical attention, since they can lead to swelling that can interfere with breathing.
