Bee Stings - 7 Tips For Immediate Care When Stung By A Bee

Ouch! I just got stung by a bee!
You may not have actually seen the bee sting you but boy you can sure feel it and there is no mistaking what it was. Most of the time there are clues around you like bees flying out of a nest or around an open soda can that will give you some idea what just happened.

Bees can go through clothing so don't be fooled about that. I recently had a bee sting my ankle through a sock while I was sweeping grass clippings. Any threat to the nest or around it will active them into action and protection mode.
Here are some tips on what to do if you get stung by a bee:

1. Run out of the way of other bees: Try not to aggravate a swarm of bees. Running in the opposite direction will decrease the chances of multiple bee stings. Go indoors or jump in water if you have to.
2. Call for help if you need it and have someone stay with the person: Many adults as well as children panic when stung. Call for assistance to minimize trauma and to expedite care and support.
3. Take the stinger out immediately: As the stinger is barbed it will continue to pump venom into the skin through the sac attached to the stinger. By taking out the stinger within 15 seconds it will dramatically reduced the reaction. Venom continues to enter the body for 45-60 seconds after being stung. Flick out the stinger with a credit card or blunt knife. Tweezers may force more venom into the skin. Wash area.
4. Apply ice immediately: There will be a histamine reaction to the sting immediately as the body tries to react to the foreign substance. Inflammation and swelling will be minimized with the immediate application of ice.
5. Wash the area with soap and water
6. Call 911 if you start to have difficulty breathing: A small percentage of people will be allergic to bee stings and have an anaphylactic response. If you notice you are having trouble breathing after the bee sting call 911 for an Emergency Response Team. Most anaphylactic reactions occur within the first 15-30 minutes. Carry an Epi-pen with you if you know you are severely allergic. Always call 911 after the administration of an Epi-pen.
7. Avoid itching area: Apply a cool compress, ice, antihistamine lotions or if needed take a systemic over-the-counter antihistamine. Natural remedies like making a paste of baking soda and water, meat tenderizer with Papain (1part: 4 parts water), Lavandin or Idaho tansy essential oils may be helpful. Use only 100% therapeutic grade essential oils.

If you develop nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea or swelling in other areas of your body, you may be having a systemic reaction and you need to contact your doctor.
Common sense and prevention is the best treatment for avoiding getting stung. The best advice is not to get the bees angry. Come to think of it, that advice is not only good for the Apidae family but for Homo sapiens as well!

And now you are invited to receive 3 free body/mind/spirit tips on boosting your immune system at http://www.creatingbalanceinyourlife.com You can visit her humor blog at: http://www.healingwithhumor.blogspot.com
Donna Marie Laino is a nurse, humorist, motivational speaker and success coach. She also uses humor as a holistic practitioner and Certified Laughter Leader to deal with life stress and health.

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