Injuries and Poisonings Conditions and Diagnoses

Bee Stings

What to do if your Child is Stung by a Bee

1. Remove stinger as soon as possible with the side of a credit card. Do not use tweezers or pinch the stinger. This will release more toxin from the stinger in the skin.
2. Apply cold compresses to the stung area to help reduce the swelling.
3. Over-the-counter antihistamine medications such as Benadryl are available to help relieve the discomfort and itching at the site.
4. A paste of baking soda and water can be put on the area of the sting. The paste will harden. This helps draw out the poison from the site.

Important Things to Note about a Bee Sting:

1. The area stung can continue to swell, itch and become red for 24 - 48 hours (1-2 days) after the bee sting.
2. Continue using over-the-counter antihistamines as directed on the package or by your doctor as long as swelling or itching continues (see #3 above).

Call your Doctor If:

1. Your child begins to have trouble breathing after the bee sting, or his/her tongue begins to swell.
2. Your child becomes dizzy, light-headed or faints.
3. Hives (red blotches) appear around the sting.
4. Your child develops severe headaches, nausea, stomach cramps or diarrhea within a few hours after the sting.
5. Your child begins to run a fever or the sting area becomes extremely tender to touch.

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