bee

Being outside in spring and summer is terrific, but it does come with the risk of bee and wasp stings. It is important to know how to treat stings, what to watch for, and even better, steps you can take to decrease your child’s risk of being stung.

Most bees and wasps can sting multiple times since they do not lose their stinger. Honeybees have a barbed stinger, which remains embedded in the skin so they can only sting once. The honeybee stinger looks like a small black dot in the area of the sting.

The immediate symptoms of a sting are pain and burning; itching may follow. The area becomes red and swollen and this may increase over the next 3 days. A sting on the face can cause severe swelling including around the eye.

If there is bee allergy, anaphylaxis may occur within 15-60 minutes. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which may be life threatening and needs emergency treatment with epinephrine, available only by prescription. Signs and symptoms include wheezing, hives, respiratory distress, throat tightness, nausea and vomiting, and swelling of the lips and/or tongue. There may be paleness and fainting. An allergic reaction typically happens after one has had previous stings though can happen with the first sting. Bee allergy occurs in less than 1% of children.

Home care of bee/wasp stings:

• If you see a stinger, try to remove it by scraping gently with a credit card or fingernail. Do not squeeze or pinch as this can release more venom. Wash with soap and water.
• Apply a paste of meat tenderizer or baking soda for 20 minutes. Aluminum-based deodorant on the area is another option.
•  Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) helps discomfort. Topical or oral Benadryl (do not use these together as it can cause oversedation) helps with itching. 1% hydrocortisone also decreases itching, is available without a prescription, and may be used 2-3 times a day.
• Cool cloths or an ice pack can help relieve the pain.
• Use an epinephrine product (injection or nasal spray) as directed if your child has a history of bee allergy

When to call your child’s provider:

• If there is increasing redness and swelling after 3 days
• If your child was stung in the mouth or eye
• If the area of swelling is more than 4 inches across

When to go to the ER/ call 911:

• If your child has known bee allergy and was stung, even if you treat with an epinephrine product (only available with a prescription)
• If there are more than 5 stings per 10 pounds of body weight (or more than 50 stings in a teen)
• If your child appears severely ill

How to help prevent bee/wasp stings:

• Avoid scented lotions and perfumes
• Avoid clothes with a floral print or floral colors
• Have your child always wear shoes since some bees live in the ground
• Keep food and drink covered; make sure there are no bees in open drink cans or on a straw