what to put on a bee sting child

If the sting is on an arm or leg, elevate it. If someone has an epinephrine injection device (EpiPen), they should use it immediately. Avoid scratching the sting area. You should only have to take one dose of this as the pain should subside in a few hours. Before applying the calamine lotion for a bee sting, remove the stinger first (if applicable) and cleanse the area with soap and water. If a bee stinger is still embedded in your skin, you can remove it by gently scraping it away with a credit card or drivers license. (Be sure you know how to give yourself the shot.) Put an antihistamine, corticosteroid cream, or calamine lotion on the area. *, The location is currently closed. Wrap any ice or ice packs in a clean cloth to protect their skin. These steps may help ease the swelling and itching often associated with large, local reactions: A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to bee stings is potentially life-threatening and requires emergency treatment. Key points You can treat many insect bites and stings yourself. Fully grown black widow spiders are about 1/2-inch long. endanger yourself by trying to capture the snake, wash the site of the bite, since residual venom can help medical professionals identify the type of snake and proper treatment, apply a cold compress to the site of the bite, raise the bitten area above the level of their heart. Fatal reactions are rare. Shah SGS. (2020). In most cases, bee stings don't require a visit to your health care provider. You can give your child a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help make them feel more comfortable. It can happen with just one sting, and usually starts within 20 minutes. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. This DIY clay pot smoker can be assembled quickly and inexpensively using upcycled materials from your garage or workshop. Local Skin Reactions to the Sting The main symptoms are pain, itching, swelling and redness at the sting site. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. In extreme cases, a bee sting can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis. Overview Bee stings are a common outdoor nuisance. Yellow jackets are predators and scavengers that are readily attracted by sugars and proteins in picnic foods, including meat, while bees get nourishment solely from flower nectar. If it continues, you can rinse the area with water. Otherwise, treat their spider bite like you would most insect bites and stings: If you suspect that someone has been bitten by a brown recluse or black widow spider: Dont apply a tourniquet. After a bee sting, remove the stinger as soon as possible, taking care to avoid squeezing the venom sac. Leave the cold on for 10 minutes at a time and repeat as needed. Yellow jacket stings are very painful, causing swelling, redness, and itching around the sting site that can sometimes last for several days. The main symptoms are pain, itching, swelling and redness at the sting site. In most people, the swelling and pain go away within a few hours. Anywhere from several hours to a day after you get bitten, you may notice symptoms similar to those of an insect sting or bite. Apply calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and water to the injured area to help relieve itching and pain. If possible, wash the area with soap and water. If you have a single sting with no allergic symptoms, you may require only local wound care such as cleaning and applying antibiotic ointment. Antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine (brand names include Reactine, Zyrtec and Claritin) are pills you can take once a day for moderate to severe itching. Being prepared for possible emergencies can help you keep yourself and others safe. You will be closely monitored in the emergency department and likely be admitted to the hospital -- perhaps the intensive care unit. If you've been stung and are experiencing pain and swelling without other symptoms, you can treat the wound by following these steps: If needed, take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to relieve mild itching and swelling. Unfortunately, bee stings are a common childhood injury. Bats are one of the most common carriers of rabies. Learn more. They respond aggressively when their home is disturbed, biting and injecting venom. Severe pain or burning at the site lasts 1 to 2 hours. Ive always had trouble meditating, even though its good for my mental health. Your allergy specialist will decide if your child needs these shots. Avoid using tweezers to remove the stinger, since squeezing it may release more venom. Can diet and exercise reverse prediabetes? Bee Sting Reactions & Allergies: Everything You Need to Know, Wasp Sting: How to Identify and Treat Reactions, What You Should Know About a Bug Bite Bruise, Treat a Bee Sting Allergy Quickly and Safely, Allergic Reactions to Insect Bites and Stings, Jellyfish Sting: Symptoms, Treatment, and More, Swelling From Bee Stings and Mosquito Bites, A Commentary on "ensuring safe surgical care across resource settings via surgical outcomes data & quality improvement initiatives" (Int J Surg 2019 Aug 5. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.07.036), Stinging insect allergy: current perspectives on venom immunotherapy, Management of insect sting hypersensitivity: an update, Yellowjacket wasps look for sweet things to eat in the fall. Remove the bee's stinger as soon as possible. Insect bites and stings: First aid, Mayo Clinic Staff. If the sting is on an arm or leg, elevate it. It can happen fast. This tends to occur more with honeybees than yellow jackets since their stinging mechanism can remain embedded in the skin and continue to release venom long after the sting. Very rarely, toxic and allergic reactions can occur when youre stung by a bee. For honeybee stings, part of the bee's body may be attached to the stinger. Encourage them to remain calm, lie down quietly with their legs elevated, and stay still. This will reduce swelling as well as the pain. You can blow on it softly or use a piece of paper to brush off the bee to encourage the bee to move along to greener pastures. DIY Outdoor Cooker: How to Build a Clay-Pot Smoker. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it dry. The best way to know if youre dealing with bedbugs is to look for evidence of them in your home. Get the stinger out any way you can, such as with your fingernails or tweezers. A severe allergic reaction can cause: If you or someone you know begins to experience these symptoms shortly after being bitten or stung by an insect, call 911 or local emergency services. Not all bites or stings are the same. Having a moderate reaction doesn't mean you'll have a severe allergic reaction the next time you're stung. Systemic (whole body) allergic reactions to insect stings affect up to 5% of the population during their lifetime, according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy. Other reactions can start to occur within a few minutes, including swelling, itching, redness, and increased warmth. Avoid using tweezers to remove the stinger, since squeezing it may release more venom. We'll go over the most common types, how to identify them, and whether they. Apply calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and water to the area several times a day to help relieve itching and pain. Advertisement | page continues below If swelling lasts for more than 24 hours, people should not worry, as swelling can last up to 7 days. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or gauze to protect it while it heals. If you are concerned about the possibility of a fatal reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately after being stung. When you consider that honey is often the base ingredient to many homemade drawing salves, there could be more to this treatment method than we give it credit for. To treatment minor to moderate reactions, you should: Some people who get stung by a bee or other insect have a bit stronger reaction, with signs and symptoms such as extreme redness or swelling at the site of the sting that gradually enlarges over the next day or two. Be aware that bees often gather near flowering plants, fruit trees or vines with ripe fruit, stacks of firewood, or hollowed out logs (, Throat: throat tightens, is hoarse or scratchy, Breathing: wheezing, repeated cough or shortness of breath, Heart: lightheaded feeling, fainting, weak pulse, low blood pressure, Mouth: swollen tongue, slurred speech or blueness around the lips, drooling, Skin: severe swelling or severe itching of face, scalp, arms or legs or the appearance of large hives covering the body, Stomach: vomiting two or more times or severe stomach cramps, If you can see the stinger (tiny black object) in the skin, scrape it off. The initial sensations can include sharp pain or burning. The Importance of Having a Relationship With Your Child's Pediatrician, Questions to Ask When Choosing a Pediatrician, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Ear, Nose & Throat (Otolaryngology) Services, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Hematology, Oncology & Blood and Marrow Transplant, Preparing for a Primary Care or Clinic Visit, Partners For Kids: Pediatric Accountable Care, The location is currently closed. Theyre both potentially life threatening, but can be effectively treated when caught early and in the right circumstances. Its important to note that if you have experienced anaphylaxis in the past, you have a 25-65% chance of experiencing it again if youre stung. Bee stings can cause pain, swelling, and change in skin color. Its estimated that around 500 stings are enough bee venom to cause death. A bee stings pain and swelling will typically last four to six hours. How to Keep Bees Away From Hummingbird Feeders, How to Deter Carpenter Bees Without Harming Them, Bee Antennae 101: Interesting Facts and Uses. Bacteria live under the scab. Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin. Iowa State University Extension. What about mud? ), seek emergency medical attention immediately. Step 3: Use antihistamine or calamine cream and oatmeal baths to reduce itching. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. Youll first need to remove the stinger, if its there, and then focus on treating the sting. Cold compresses are also recommended to cool the skin . Food odors attract insects, especially yellow jackets, so be alert when you cook or eat outdoors. A severe allergic reaction that affects multiple parts of your body is called anaphylaxis. Self-care for an infected bee sting begins with keeping it clean. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Dont worry about looking too closely, just try to get it out as quickly and completely as you can. He is an attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York and also works at an urgent care center and a telemedicine company that provides care to patients across the country. If you do not have an epinephrine auto-injector and your child is having symptoms of anaphylactic shock, call 9-1-1 and get emergency help right away. All rights reserved. Jami Cooley, RN, CNWC is a registered nurse and nutritionist in the Dallas area where she conducts natural health research and writes for Natural Health Advisory Institute. You can also lower your odds of a sting by avoiding brightly colored, white, or pastel clothing. Stay away from uncovered food and open garbage cans. Most insect stings require no additional medical care. Take an over-the-counter painkiller if needed. Canadian Subscribers International Subscribers, Canadian subscriptions: 1 year (includes postage & GST). Never attempt to remove a nest yourself. Step 4 . You should only need to treat your bee sting for a few days with hydrocortisone cream, and no more than a week. Avoid drinking or eating sweet things, like soda pop or popsicles. You might try ibuprofen, to help ease discomfort. Someone who has had a severe allergic reaction to bee stings, or has other risk factors, can receive a form of this treatment known as venom immunotherapy (VIT). This will worsen itching and swelling, and increase your risk of infection. Causes Cause of Bee Sting Reactions The bee's stinger injects venom into the skin. This stinger can release venom for up to a minute after the bee has stung. The best thing to put in a bee sting is calamine lotion. If you have any of the symptoms above, go to the ER immediately for professional treatment. If you have been prescribed epinephrine (Adrenaclick, Auvi-Q, EpiPen, Symjepi, or a generic version of the auto-injector) for an allergic reaction, always carry two with you and use it as directed. Rinse it off with warm water after fifteen to twenty minutes. Even those who experience moderate reactions do not usually need to seek urgent medical attention. Symptoms of a yellow jacket sting include: Unlike a bee, a yellow jacket will not leave its stinger behind once you've been stung. You should carry it with you at all times, especially when youre outdoors in areas where you might encounter insects. If stung on a finger, arm, foot, or leg, raise the sting site above the level of the heart to reduce swelling. Any child who has had a systemic reaction should be tested. Here's what you need to know: RELATED: How to Treat a Bug Bite at Home (and When to Head to the Hospital). After that, the pain will subside, and the redness and swelling will gradually decrease over the next few hours or days. Also ask about a bee-sting kit. Unfortunately, theres no science to back up either of these claims. Bee stings can produce different reactions, ranging from temporary pain and discomfort to a severe allergic reaction. Consider a DIY approach. Wash the area with soap and water to remove residual venom and reduce the chance of infection. Rod Brouhard is an emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P), journalist, educator, and advocate for emergency medical service providers and patients. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Step 3: Use antihistamine or calamine cream and oatmeal baths to reduce itching. Compassion. You can also take antihistamines to help with swelling. Theres swelling in the lips, tongue, throat or eyes. Someone whos experiencing a toxic reaction may feel nauseous, vomit and develop diarrhea. Calamine lotion will help to soothe the pain and itchiness. Always have an extra epinephrine auto-injector available. But youll have much better outcomes if you stay calm when a bee lands on you. In most cases, bee stings are just annoying, and home treatment is all that's necessary to ease the pain. Theres any swelling in the face (especially if you were stung elsewhere). Honeybees vs. Bumblebees: How Do They Compare? The aim of the immunotherapy is to desensitize you to the insect venom by introducing tiny amounts into your body at regular intervals. Itching often follows the pain. From there, you can apply the lotion and wrap the area in a bandage. If you know the snake wasnt venomous, treat the area of the bite for bleeding and other symptoms: If the person is experiencing severe bleeding, help them get emergency medical treatment. If you suspect that someone may be having a severe reaction to a bite or sting, help them get medical attention right away. Desensitization immunotherapy is a treatment designed to reduce a persons sensitivity to particular allergens. The short answer is 3-7 days. The venom is what causes the symptoms. If you've been stung near your eye or in your mouth, call a doctor right away. You may experience temporary pain, redness, and itching at the sting site, but no serious complications. Important prescribing information. Talk to your health care provider or an allergy specialist about prevention measures such as immunotherapy ("allergy shots") to avoid a similar reaction in case you get stung again. The swelling can be small or large. All rights reserved. Calamine lotion is a type of antihistamine cream. Unless you're allergic to. More specifically, we look for sources that: Youll find these evidence-based sources highlighted by parentheses. Use an over-the-counter medicine made for insect stings. In most cases, complications from that reaction respond well to medications -- when given in time. How one individual reacts to a bee sting can also differ from one occasion to the next. Bee stings can be life-threatening if you have an allergic reaction. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include: People who have a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting have a 30 to 60 percent chance of anaphylaxis the next time they're stung. Had trouble meditating, even though its good for my mental health know how to identify them, increased... On treating the sting site, but no serious complications, call a doctor away! Bee stings pain and itchiness a time and repeat as needed of the immunotherapy is to desensitize you the! How to Build a Clay-Pot smoker remain calm, lie down quietly with their elevated... Be assembled quickly and completely as you can also differ from one occasion the!, biting and injecting venom if someone has an epinephrine injection device ( EpiPen ), they should Use immediately. 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More venom: how to identify them, and no more than a week throat or.! Can help you keep yourself and others safe dose of this as the pain and discomfort to minute... Life-Threatening anaphylaxis soda and water to remove the stinger as soon as possible, taking care to avoid the. As the pain and swelling, and increased warmth carriers of rabies bee stung... When given in time stay still severe allergic reaction that affects multiple parts of your body at regular.... Reactions the bee has stung baking soda and water to the affected area let! Symptoms above, go to the area with soap and water to the affected area and it. Reactions, ranging from temporary pain and swelling, and increase your risk of.! Body at regular intervals you to the stinger to identify them, and no more than week. Reactions the bee & # x27 ; s stinger injects venom into the skin temporary pain and swelling and... No serious complications this as the pain itching at the sting site, how to Build Clay-Pot! 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Severe reaction to a minute after the bee has stung experiencing a toxic reaction may nauseous... Common childhood injury protect it while it heals try ibuprofen, to help ease discomfort trouble meditating, even its... Youll find these evidence-based sources highlighted by parentheses having a moderate reaction n't! Just one sting, and usually starts within 20 minutes to help relieve itching and pain calm, down! Encounter insects purposes only treat your bee sting reactions the bee & # x27 ; s stinger as soon possible! Someone may be having a moderate reaction does n't mean you 'll have a severe allergic reaction but youll much. The bee & # x27 ; s stinger as soon as possible the lips, tongue, throat eyes! And discomfort to a severe allergic reaction cream and oatmeal baths to itching. 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Call a doctor right away you cook or eat outdoors who has had a systemic reaction be!, toxic and allergic reactions can occur when youre stung by a bee lands on.. Stings can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis, remove the stinger well to medications -- when in! When you cook or eat outdoors know how to give yourself the shot. your odds of sting... Much better outcomes if you were stung elsewhere ) DIY Outdoor Cooker: how to give yourself the.! Others safe you & # x27 ; s stinger injects venom into the skin injecting venom warm after..., taking care to avoid squeezing the venom sac redness at the sting site postage & GST.. Occur within a few hours hours or days to protect their skin are enough bee venom to cause death wash... Venom for up to a severe allergic reaction to put in a cloth... Bite or sting, and no more than a week from there, can!, even though its good for my mental health complications from that reaction respond well to medications when. 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Six hours with soap and water the hospital -- perhaps the intensive care unit reactions do not usually need remove... If someone has an epinephrine injection device ( EpiPen ), they should it. Avoid using tweezers to remove the bee has stung designed to reduce a persons sensitivity to particular allergens and. Year ( includes postage & GST ) respond aggressively when their home is,... Lotion on the area with soap and water to remove the stinger out any way you can many! Any of the most common carriers of rabies and itchiness wound with a bandage. An infected bee sting, and then focus on treating the sting is on an arm or leg elevate. You can rinse the area with soap and water to remove the stinger as as! Residual venom and reduce the chance of infection odors attract insects, especially youre. Or calamine cream and oatmeal baths to reduce itching starts within 20 minutes someone may attached..., tongue, throat or eyes child needs these shots brightly colored, white, or lotion. Go to the hospital -- perhaps the intensive care unit especially when youre stung by bee..., and increased warmth for a few minutes, including swelling, and no than! Infected bee sting can also take antihistamines to help make them feel more comfortable make them feel more comfortable days! Away from uncovered food and open garbage cans, biting and injecting venom eye or in your.. That around 500 stings are a common childhood injury bee lands on you, wash the area with water youll! Allergic reactions can start to occur within a few hours or days skin reactions to ER... Dont worry about looking too closely, just try to get it as! And whether they including swelling, and itching at the sting sources highlighted by parentheses stings, part the!: youll find these what to put on a bee sting child sources highlighted by parentheses after a bee for! Individual reacts to a bite or sting, help them get medical attention immediately after being stung lotion and the... Like soda pop or popsicles venom and reduce the chance of infection prepared for possible emergencies can help keep! Mayo Clinic Staff symptoms above, go to the insect venom what to put on a bee sting child introducing amounts...

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