A simple bee sting can cause pain and inflammation. In most cases, stings can be treated at home. The pain and bumps associated with sting usually disappear in just a few days on their own, and with the help of remedies, the healing can be accelerated.
However, if a person develops allergy to the bee sting, immediate medical attention should be sought. Anaphylactic shock is a severe reaction of the body to a foreign agent and may lead to death.
Remedies for bee stings
It is recommended that before applying any means of treatment, you should first check the sting. If the insect’s needle is still present in the skin, it must be removed as soon as possible.
After the needle has been removed, the wound area has to be washed with cold water and soap. Cooling down the affected skin helps reduce venom absorption, and also reduces inflammation.
For more efficient cooling, ice compresses can be applied. It is necessary to keep in mind that ice should not be applied directly to the skin, as it can lead to the death of the cells with which comes into contact with.
Honey bee
Even if it may seem weird, honey produced by bees will fight against the symptoms of their stings. It has properties that accelerate wound healing and soothe pain and inflammation.
In addition, it is scientifically proven that honey contains bactericidal substances, thus preventing potential infections.
It is recommended to apply a small amount of honey to the wounded area and use a compress over it. Leave this natural treatment applied for about an hour.
Plants and essential oils
Some plants have wound healing properties and can help soothe the symptoms of bee stings. One of the most popular plants when it comes to calming and relieving pain is aloe vera. It can be used quickly: simply break a leaf and apply the juice directly on the affected area.
Marigold cream can also have amazing effects when it comes to minor wound healing, reducing irritation, and improving skin health. The cream should be applied directly over the sting and covered with a thin bandage.
Essential oils are very useful in reducing the symptoms of bee stings. Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and tea tree oil has natural antiseptic and anti-algal effects.
Other helpful essential oils are thyme, rosemary, hamamelis and basil. However, bear in mind that some essential oils may cause irritation, so dilute them with other oils such as coconut or olive oil.
Aspirin
Aspirin, also called acetylsalicylic acid, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and reduce fever and inflammation. Thus, wet aspirin applied directly to the affected site is considered to reduce the symptoms of insect bites. This method is quite popular, but it is not based on scientific studies.
Baking powder
Mix the baking powder with water, so it results in a paste. Applying a consistent layer of this mixture over the sting can neutralize the venom and reduce the pain, itch and swelling. It should be taken into account that the mixture should not be kept on your skin for long periods of time because it is alkaline and can damage its layers.
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