While bees are famous for their waggle dance and honey, they are also notorious for inflicting painful stings. When a bee stings, it usually leaves behind a barbed stinger in the skin. The stinger is what releases a venom that destroys the red blood cells and skin mast cells. In response, the body activates the pain receptor cells and produces histamines, which cause pain, itching, and swelling.
Bee stings, although can be very painful, tend to heal on their own without complication. They rarely require a visit to the hospital or clinic, provided the symptoms are mild to moderate.
Let’s learn about a few home remedies to alleviate bee sting reactions, symptoms of a bee sting allergy, and where to seek bee sting allergy treatment in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Bee Sting Home Treatment
When you get stung by a bee, inspect the sting site before using any remedies.
If the bee’s stinger is still pierced in your skin, remove it by scraping it with your fingernail or with the back of a knife. Never use tweezers, as they may squeeze the venom sac and release more venom into your wound. Wash the area thoroughly with water and soap, then proceed with applying any of the following remedies onto the affected area.
· Baking Soda
Baking soda, when mixed with water, is said to help neutralize bee venom, reducing pain, itching, and swelling.
Mix baking soda with enough water to make a paste, then apply a generous amount onto the affected area. Cover the area with a bandage, then leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Reapply, as needed.
· Toothpaste
While there’s no scientific evidence to support its efficacy, many folks claim alkaline toothpaste is beneficial for neutralizing honeybee venom.
Simply apply a small amount of alkaline toothpaste onto the affected area. However, keep in mind that this may only be work for honeybee stings, and not for stings from other species of bees and wasps.
· Apple Cider Vinegar
Like baking soda and toothpaste, apple cider vinegar has been known to help neutralize bee venom and ease the swelling and pain.
Pour apple cider vinegar into a basin and soak the affected area for at least 15 minutes. You can also use a piece of cloth: soak it in the basin and then dab it onto the affected area.
· Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion, an over-the-counter medication used to soothe itchy skin, is also effective at alleviatingpain and itching caused by a bee sting.
Apply a thin layer of calamine lotion onto the affected area, then cover it with a bandage.
Bee Sting Allergy Symptoms
Pay attention to any allergy symptoms that may develop after you get a bee sting. If you notice red, itchy welts (hives) or experience dizziness, a rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, and tightness in the throat, you may be allergic to bee stings.
A bee sting allergy can result in anaphylactic shock, which is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. An anaphylactic reaction can develop in less than an hour. Seek medical treatment immediately.
Bee Sting Allergy Treatment in Oak Brook, Illinois
If you got stung by a bee and you suspect an allergic reaction, come and see us at Oak Brook Allergists right away for prompt evaluation and treatment.
At Oak Brook Allergists, our board-certified allergy doctors have decades of experience in providing accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for different kinds of allergies, such as those caused by insect stings. We offer allergy shots (venom therapy), aimed at desensitizing your body to the allergen found in the venom of stinging insects. Venom therapy has been proven effective at preventing both the onset of an allergic response and the worsening thereof.
To make an appointment with any of our allergy doctors, call (630) 574-0460 or use our online request form.