“BEE” CAREFUL !!!

Bee stings are a regular annoyance in the outdoors. When the bee stings the person, its stinger detaches from its body and gets stuck inside the person's skin causing further reactions. When the bee stings the person, its stinger detaches from its body and gets stuck inside the person's skin causing further reactions [1]. In most situations, bee stings are only irritating, and home therapy is all that is required to alleviate the discomfort. A bee sting might also lead to allergic reactions or anaphylaxis conditions which might need medical care.[2]

Lets us understand how one can treat bee sting.

What are the possible Symptoms?

Depending on the severity of the attack, the symptoms shown by the body can be classified into 3 forms of reaction:

A mild form of reaction:

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In most of the cases, the symptoms experienced are not that serious, these include:

A sense of burning and pain in the affected area
A reddish raised mark or scar at the area
Swelling around the affected area

In most cases, swelling or pain is experienced only for a certain time span and neutralizes after a few hours

Moderate reaction:

In some cases, a reaction that is stronger in comparison to the usual symptoms faced might been observed. The symptoms of this condition include:

Severe redness
Swelling around the area which expands in the upcoming days

Severe reaction:

(This is the condition in which medical assistance is required)

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This condition is known as anaphylaxis, it is severe in nature and potentially a life-threatening situation. In this condition, the patient should be provided immediate medical supervision and provided emergency treatment.

The symptoms which help to determine whether the attack is severe are as follows:

Reactions on the skin, which include hives(a type of skin rash), itching experienced around the area, and pale or flushed skin
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Changes in the pulse experienced
Diarrhea or nausea might be observed
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the throat and tongue[2]

How to aid bee sting naturally?

When a person is stung by a bee, the first instinct is to calmly remove the stinger from the person's skin. The affected area should be washed with clean water, thereafter cold compress should be used to reduce swelling and redness in the skin. In most scenarios, home remedies can work miraculously and medical assistance is not necessary.

Home remedies for bee stings

A combination of traditional first aid and home remedies are used in most cases of bee sting

These home remedies have been passed down from generation to generation and are still popular even though they are not scientifically proven.

Honey:

Honey helps in healing wounds and prevents infection.
(MGH) or medical-grade honey, including Manuka honey, has antimicrobial properties and the property to lower inflammation. Therefore MGH can help fight against bacteria and fungi.
Honey is also believed to help flush out dead tissue and release oxygen into wounds to aid the healing process.
The procedure to treat bee stings with MGH is as follows: Apply a small quantity of honey to the area cover it with a loose cloth or bandage and leave it on for an hour.

Baking soda:

It’s believed that baking soda has the power to neutralize bee venom, and also helps in reducing itching.

The procedure for how to use baking soda in case of a bee sting is as follows.

Make a paste having a thick consistency by mixing water and baking soda.
With clean hands, apply the paste over the affected area and leave it for some time (around 10 min).
After 10 min wash it off neatly.

To prevent any contamination in the process it is suggested to cover the wound with a sterile bandage.

Toothpaste:

Although there’s no scientific evidence that toothpaste can help bee stings. However, it is believed that the alkaline nature of toothpaste (usually high pH of toothpaste) helps neutralize the bee venom which is acidic in nature (which has a relatively low pH).
The concept of toothpaste is quite similar to that of baking soda, it’s said that toothpaste helps in withdrawing bee venom. Besides, they also provide a soothing or cooling effect on the skin.
Toothpaste is the most commonly used home remedy owing to its inexpensiveness and easy availability. The procedure to apply it is quite simple: dab a bit of toothpaste on the affected area, and wipe away after 20 min

Other natural remedies that can be considered:

Aloe vera plant has a variety of properties with respect to skin. The aloe vera gel is very easily available in the local stores or can be self-made if you have an aloe plant. The procedure is quite simple: squeeze the gel out of an aloe leaf and apply directly on the affected area.
Witch hazel, a natural antiseptic, and astringent, is considered a good home remedy for bee stings. It helps in preventing infection and reduces swelling. The procedure for application is simple: Apply witch hazel (clear fluid) directly to the affected area as needed.
Calendula cream comes under the category of antiseptic, it is used to ease skin irritation and heal minor wounds. Application of the cream on the affected area and covering the area with a bandage is the method of application.
Lavender oil is full of anti-inflammatory properties and can help neutralize swelling. For use, this essential oil is diluted with a carrier oil, which can be coconut oil, olive oil, or any such oil. Apply a few drops of the mixture on the area and gently dap the area with a clean cloth.
The application of tea tree oil may help to ease pain caused by the sting and prevent infection. Mix the tea tree oil with a suitable carrier oil like coconut oil or any such area and apply the mixture (a few drops) to the sting site.

What happens if a bee sting goes untreated?

In case the bee’s stinger is not removed from the skin it continues to release venom into the person's bloodstream and symptoms such as dizziness, increased swelling, nausea, and difficulty breathing can be observed. The risk of developing a severe infection also increases.

But for people who develop a strong and dangerous allergic reaction, leaving the site untreated may lead to a life-threatening situation which is an anaphylactic shock that can be fatal if not attended to quickly. [4]

How to avoid a bee sting?

The (NPMA) that is National Pest Management Association enlists the following tips for safety against stinging insects

Wearing shoes or completely covering legs when you are outside, applicable especially when roaming or working in grassy areas.
Cover the body as much as possible with the help of suitable clothing
Keep garbage completely sealed.
Screen all the windows
Do not swat or hit a stinging insect as it initiates the defense mechanism and increases the chances of an aggressive approach.
Seek medical attention immediately if the reactions after being stung are severe.
Call a pest control professional if you suspect or find an insect nest on the property. [5]

Diagnosis:

The following tests are suggested in case of allergic reactions to the bee venom after a bee sting

Skin test: During this test, a small amount of allergen extract is injected into the skin of your upper back or arm. If the person is allergic to bee stings, he or she will develop a raised bump on the skin at the test site.

Allergy blood test: This test helps to measure the response of the immune system to bee venom by measuring the allergy-causing antibodies present in the bloodstream. The blood sample taken is dispatched to a medical laboratory, where it is tested for sensitivity toward possible allergens.[6]

Let's clear some confusions regarding bees

Not all bees can sting. For example, male bees cannot sting the reason is that the modified egg-laying device or the stinger is present only in females
There is always confusion between the species of bees and wasps because of their similar shape. However, there is a way to identify them: as distinct black/yellow bands around the abdominal region are a characteristic feature for wasps. On the other hand, bees have a more ordinary light brown color in appearance.

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