If you've been stung, here's what you need to know, from homemade remedies to signs of a serious reaction
Knowing for certain that you were stung by a bee is helpful. As the stinger rips from the bee's body, the stinger remains embedded in the injury, killing the bee.
In contrast, wasps, on the other hand, do not kill when they sting and can sting multiple times at a time.
The sooner you remove it, the less pain you will experience. A credit card or similar item can be used to scrape the stinger out of our skin.
If you have received a bee sting, make sure you remove the stinger carefully as soon as possible, since the stinger can continue to release venom while it is embedded in your skin.
In the event of an injury, it is important to keep the site as clean as possible. Once the stinger has been removed from your skin, wash the area with soap and water.
This is an important step to avoid developing an infection. Likewise, avoid scratching the sting, even if it is itchy - this can introduce bacteria and cause infection.
It is common for the area around the impact site to swell up after being stung by a bee. Swelling can be reduced by placing something cold on it.
An ice pack or a cold compress can be used for this purpose. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth before applying it to the skin, as it can burn the skin without a barrier.
Bee stings can be painful and inconvenient. Over-the-counter pain relief is available at your local pharmacy. Oral antihistamines can also reduce itching and swelling.
The person stung might need medical attention in extreme cases, even though bee stings are a common ailment that can be treated at home.
If you or someone else is stung multiple times or if a serious reaction or allergy develops, contact a physician.
Anaphylaxis symptoms include hives, swelling of the tongue, throat, difficulty breathing, coughing, paleness, nausea/vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, dizziness
According to a 2021 study published in Open Life Sciences, manuka honey can lower inflammation and aid healing for minor stings that can be treated at home.
To neutralise the venom and relieve swelling and itching, you can mix bicarbonate of soda with water and apply it to the sting.