Bees might be cute, and vital to our environment, but there’s nothing that can ruin a fun summer day quite like a bee sting.
My son is still traumatized from his brush with a wasp last summer. Those yellow jackets are really the worst!
Bee stings can be very painful, and for some people, they can lead to a severe allergic reaction.
If you’re anything like me, you might need a refresher on what exactly to do when you or your child gets stung by a bee (or other similar insect stings).
So here goes:
How to Treat a Bee Sting at Home
1. First, remove the bee stinger from the sting site to stop the venom.
Scrape it out with a fingernail or something flat, such as the edge of a credit card, not with a tweezers.
2. Then, clean the affected area with soap and water.
3. Next, apply a cold pack or ice to the site of the sting. The ice pack will reduce swelling.
4. Afterwards, look for the calamine lotion to relieve itching and swelling.
5. And finally, consider administering an antihistamine cream and/or pain relieving medication.
After you’ve treated the bee sting, watch for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, which can appear as quickly as 15 minutes. And be especially vigilant with stings to the mouth, throat, nose, and ears. If you see signs of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
Natural Home Remedies for a Bee Sting
You can also help your child feel better with one of the home remedies listed below. (They don’t have a lot of scientific backing, but they seem to work for some people, and they don’t hurt to try.)
1. Toothpaste
Who knew that your toothpaste was actually a great remedy for a bee sting? The toothpaste is thought to neutralize the acid in the bee venom. Apply it directly to the site of the sting.
2. Freshly crushed parsley.
Similar to toothpaste, the freshly crushed parsley can neutralize the acid in the bee venom.
3. Onion
This home remedy will draw out the toxins from the bee sting and help to prevent infection. Simply rub the bee sting with a slice of raw onion.
3. Peeled Potato
Crush a bit of peeled potato and apply it to sooth inflammation.
4. Plain lemon juice
Applying plain lemon juice can reduce itching associated with a bee sting.
5. Baking soda and vinegar paste.
Similar to lemon juice, a thick paste made of baking soda and vinegar can help to relieve the itching from a bee sting area.
Apple cider vinegar is another ingredient that is thought to neutralize the bee venom and lessen the pain. Soak the affected area or treat it with a cloth that is damp with the apple cider vinegar.
Frequently asked questions
Does toothpaste help bee stings?
Yes, toothpaste seems to work for some people to treat a bee sting, and it doesn’t hurt to try. The toothpaste is thought to neutralize the acid in the bee venom. Apply it directly to the site of the sting.
Does onion help bee stings?
Yes, onion seems to work for some people to treat a bee sting, and it doesn’t hurt to try. This home remedy will draw out the toxins from the bee sting and help to prevent infection. Simply rub the bee sting with a slice of raw onion.
Does baking soda help bee stings?
Yes, baking soda seems to work for some people to treat a bee sting, and it doesn’t hurt to try. Similar to lemon juice, a thick paste made of baking soda and vinegar can help to relieve the itching from a bee sting area.
Does apple cider vinegar help bee stings?
Yes, apple cider vinegar seems to work for some people to treat a bee sting, and it doesn’t hurt to try. Apple cider vinegar is another ingredient that is thought to neutralize the bee venom and lessen the pain. Soak the affected area or treat it with a cloth that is damp with the apple cider vinegar.
Have you tried any of these home remedies, and did they work for you? Email hello@mkewithkids.com.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
