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Page: Treatment
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Following a honeybee sting the first step in treatment is removal of the barbed stinger. The stinger should be removed as fast as possible without regard to method: studies have shown the amount of venom delivered does not differ if the stinger is pinched or scraped off and even a delay of a few seconds leads to more venom being injected. Once the stinger is removed, reduce pain and swelling with a cold compress. The sting may be painful for a few hours. Swelling and itching may persist for a week. Do not scratch the area as that will only increase the itching and swelling. If a reaction persists for over a week or covers an area greater than 3 or 4 inches, seek medical attention. Also, doctors may recommend a tetanus immunization.
If the victim is allergic to bee stings, the victim must be treated to prevent anaphylactic shock. People who know to be highly allergic to bee stings should carry appropriate medication.
For patients who experince severe or life threatening reactions to insect stings, researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a series of allergy injections composed of increasing concentrations of naturally occuring venom which provide excellent and usually life-long protections against future insect stings.
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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