Bee stings

When you are stung by a bee, the sting is torn from the insect lodging in the skin. This usually proves fatal for the bee.

First aid
If the sting is still present in the skin, remove it by flicking or scraping. DO NOT pull or squeeze with tweezers as more venom may be released into the wound.

For mild local reactions calamine or cold applications may be helpful. (NEVER apply ice directly to the skin). If the reaction is more severe antihistamine tablets or a steroid cream may be helpful.

In the case of a more severe reaction immediate transfer to hospital should be arranged. See article on anaphylactic reactions.

Further information

This article published on
01 August 2005

Next review date 8/1/2013

Categorie(s)

Skin, hair and bones
First aid

Areaof the body

Skin, hair and bones

Male or female?
Both