What to Do If Stung by a Bee

Bee stings occur relatively frequently. Following a bee sting, the skin commonly becomes red, swollen, and painful. In addition, the bee’s stinger may remain embedded deep within the skin. What should you do in such cases? Below, we provide detailed guidance on how to manage a bee sting.

What to Do After a Bee Sting

1. Remove the Stinger

After being stung by a bee, remain calm and avoid excessive panic. Carefully inspect the sting site to determine whether the stinger remains embedded in the skin. If present, it must be promptly removed to prevent inflammation or persistent pain. Use a sterilized needle or tweezers to carefully extract the stinger—do not squeeze the area forcefully, as this may drive venom deeper into the tissue.

2. Apply Topical Medication

Once the stinger has been fully removed, apply ammonia-mint lotion or a corticosteroid ointment (e.g., Pianping®) to the affected area. If no medication is available, gently apply soap solution or baking soda solution to the sting site. These alkaline solutions help neutralize the acidic venom, thereby reducing localized redness, swelling, and pain.

3. Apply Cold Compress

If redness and swelling accompanied by pain develop, apply an ice pack or cold, damp towel to the affected area to alleviate symptoms. For severe pain, oral analgesics may be taken. While managing symptoms, monitor for signs of systemic toxicity and seek prompt medical attention if necessary.

The above outlines comprehensive first-aid measures for bee stings. However, if acute systemic reactions occur—such as shock or respiratory distress—immediate emergency medical care is essential.