Bee Sting First Aid: 10 Steps for Relief & Allergy Safety

Quick, correct action reduces pain, swelling, and anaphylaxis risk. Follow this evidence-based protocol.

1. Stay Calm: Panic increases heart rate, spreading venom faster. Move away from the hive.
2. Remove the Stinger Immediately: Scrape sideways with a fingernail, credit card, or knife edge. Do not pinch/tweeze—that squeezes the venom sac. Speed matters more than tool.
3. Cleanse: Wash with soap and water. Reduces infection risk.
4. Cold Compress: Ice pack wrapped in cloth, 10 min on/10 min off. Reduces swelling, numbs pain.
5. Elevate: If on limb, raise above heart level.
6. OTC Symptom Relief:
   • Pain: Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) or acetaminophen.
   • Itch/swelling: Oral antihistamine (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine—less sedation than diphenhydramine). Topical hydrocortisone 1% or calamine.
7. Monitor for Anaphylaxis (Call 911 Immediately If):
   • Difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightness
   • Swelling of lips, tongue, face
   • Dizziness, fainting, confusion
   • Hives spreading beyond sting site
   • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
   • Rapid, weak pulse
8. Epinephrine Auto-Injector: If prescribed (known allergy), use immediately at first systemic sign. Then call 911.
9. Don't Scratch: Breaks skin → infection.
10. Watch for Infection (24–72 hrs): Increasing redness, warmth, pus, red streaks, fever → see a doctor.

Prevention

• Avoid bright colors, floral prints, sweet scents outdoors.
• Cover food/drinks; use lidded cups.
• Wear shoes in grass.
• If allergic: carry 2 auto-injectors, wear medical ID, consider venom immunotherapy (allergy shots—98% effective).