Did a Bee Sting Me Treatment Options Allergic Reactions Home Remedies and More Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Bug Bites
Did a Bee Sting Me Treatment Options Allergic Reactions Home Remedies and More
By Valencia HigueraMedically Reviewed by Ross Radusky, MDReviewed: March 25, 2019Medically ReviewedYou only need to worry about female bees. Those are the ones with stingers.iStockA bee sting can be a painful shock to your system, but fortunately, some stings cause only a mild reaction. (1) Generally speaking, if you leave a bee alone it’ll leave you alone. Bees typically only attack when they feel threatened or if you get too close to their nest. (2) But even if you’re perfectly okay with giving bees their space, you may stumble upon a nest accidentally, or instinctively swat at a bee that's buzzing in your face. This may be all it takes to get a bee riled up, and if so, you’ll be left with an unforgettable experience. Here’s what you need to know about reactions, treatments, and when to seek medical attention if you're stung by a bee. What Types of Bees Sting
If you don’t know much about bees, you may see all bees as a threat. But even among species of bees that sting, you only have to worry about female bees, because they’re the only ones with stingers. (3) Their stingers are modified egg-laying organs. This isn’t part of a male bee’s anatomy, so male bees lack the ability to sting. (4) Here's a look at common bees that can sting. Carpenter Bees
These solitary flying insects measure about 1 inch long and are sometimes mistaken for bumblebees. The difference is that carpenter bees have a shiny, fuzzless black abdomen (rear end). (5) Although carpenter bees do sting, they won’t unless they’re agitated or feel threatened. In the United States, carpenter bees inhabit the southern states from Arizona to Florida, and along the eastern states up to New York. (6) Honeybees
Honeybees are slimmer than carpenter bees and measure about 1 inch long. These bees are golden brown with black stripes and are fuzzy; they are sometimes mistaken for yellow jackets. The difference is that yellow jackets aren't nearly as hairy, and have a much brighter yellow with their black stripes. (5) Honeybees collect nectar and pollen, and provide humans with honey and beeswax. They're important pollinators for crops such as cucumbers, cherries, apples, avocados, and blueberries. You can find honeybees all around the world, on every continent except Antarctica. (7) Most Recent in Bug Bites
Poison Ivy Poison Oak and 7 Other Plants That Can Give You a Rash
Body Lice Symptoms Diagnosis and Treatment
The Emotional Toll of Having Bedbugs
11 Potential Causes of Hair Loss and Baldness
Do Bumblebees Sting Why You Shouldn t Try to Find Out
You might think of the bumblebee as a peaceful species of bee. But this doesn’t mean you should reach out and touch one. It’s highly unlikely you'll be stung by a bumblebee, but it's not impossible. These gentle bees will sting if they feel threatened or if you disturb their nest. And unlike honeybees, bumblebees don’t lose their stingers. (8) So you can be stung multiple times by the same bumblebee. Bumblebees are identified by their wide, bright-yellow and black stripes and very fuzzy body; they are also about 1 inch long, but are bulkier than honeybees. (5) There are 49 species of bumblebees, ranging all over the United States. (9) Resources We Love
American Academy of DermatologyCenters for Disease Control and PreventionCleveland ClinicInsect IdentificationKidsHealthMayo ClinicMerck ManualsSeattle Children’sUPMC What Are the Most Common Symptoms of a Bee Sting
When a bee stings you, its stinger injects venom into your skin, and the venom causes an immune reaction. (10) Getting stung by a bee causes different reactions in different people. The severity of symptoms depends on whether you have a mild reaction, a moderate reaction, or a severe allergic reaction. (1) Bee sting symptoms are similar to symptoms of a wasp sting, but more severe than those of a mosquito bite. A mild reaction can trigger the following: (1,10)A sharp burning pain at the sting siteA welted, red areaSwelling Mild reactions often improve within hours of a sting, at which point redness, pain, and swelling subside. (1) With a moderate bee sting reaction, redness and swelling may be more severe and last up to a week. (1) What Bit Me Spot These 11 Bug Bites
Get to the bottom of what bit you, and learn when you need to consider emergency medical care.Photo List Am I Having an Allergic Reaction to a Bee Sting
Some people aren’t aware of a bee venom allergy until after they are stung by a bee. So it’s important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction, which can develop immediately or within an hour of a sting. (4) A mild allergic reaction can be treated at home. Symptoms include hives (without breathing problems), itching, and flushness around the sting. (11) When Should You Seek Emergency Medical Attention for a Bee Sting
Keep in mind that some allergic reactions to bee venom are life-threatening. People who are severely allergic to bees can develop a whole-body allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. (1) “Call 911 immediately at the first signs of difficulty breathing, swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea, weakness, sweating, confusion, or full-body swelling,” warns Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in the Los Angeles area. You should also seek emergency medical attention if you develop other symptoms of a life-threatening reaction, such as: (1,10,11)ConvulsionsFeverDizzinessA weak pulseDangerously low blood pressure These symptoms can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. If not treated early, anaphylaxis can lead to loss of consciousness and death. (11) It’s important to note that multiple bee stings can be toxic and become a medical emergency even for someone who isn't allergic to bee stings. This is more common in children and older adults, as well as in those who have a history of heart or respiratory problems. (1) See a doctor if you’re swarmed by bees and receive multiple stings. Editor s Picks on Bug Bites
What Is the Truth About the Lyme Disease Epidemic
Have RA The Importance of Preventing Bug Bites
Why Mosquito Bites Itch and How to Get Relief
How to Know It s a Chigger Bite and What to Do About It
What Does a Bee Sting Look Like
It’s helpful to know how a bee sting differs from other bites and stings, because you might develop a reaction without actually seeing what stung you. A bee sting will often feel warm or hot to the touch, and most bites will cause a hive-like pink, itchy, or stinging bump, Dr. Shainhouse says. (2) Another telltale sign of a bee sting is finding a stinger in your skin. Unless, of course, you’re stung by a bumblebee, which doesn’t lose its stinger. (8) Bee Sting Treatment What to Do if a Bee Stings You
If you're stung by a bee, get to a safe place and remove the stinger as soon as possible. Don’t pluck or squeeze the stinger with tweezers — that can cause more venom to enter the bite, says Shainhouse. (11) Instead, she recommends gently scraping it with a credit card to remove it, or use the edge of your fingernail. (12) Next, clean the sting area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection, and apply a cold compress to calm the swelling and pain. If you're stung on your arm or leg, keep it elevated. (12)More on Preventing Bug Bites 7 Natural Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites
It’s okay to self-treat with over-the-counter medications. Take Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) to ease pain and burning, or an oral antihistamine for symptoms of a mild to moderate allergic reaction. (11,12) “If you know that you’re allergic to bee venom, make sure that you have a nonexpired EpiPen on hand at all times,” Shainhouse says. “If you do inject an EpiPen after a bite, call 911 right away. The EpiPen can cause side effects like heart racing, and the anaphylactic reaction can present again once the medication wears off,” she says. If you don’t have an EpiPen, but you’ve had a previous severe allergic reaction to bee venom, talk to your doctor about getting one, or see if you’re a candidate for allergy shots. These shots can reduce or eliminate the allergic response to a bee sting. (11) For a severe allergic reaction to bee venom, treatment may include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops, intravenous antihistamine, or oxygen therapy to improve respiratory symptoms. (12) Did a Wasp Sting Me Treatment Options Allergic Reactions Remedies and More
Consider this thorough article your one-stop shop for all things wasp stings.Article What Is Safe to Put on a Bee Sting
A mild or moderate reaction with itching can be bothersome. To calm itching and swelling, try applying ice to the sting area, one minute on and one minute off. It’s safe to apply a topical hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to a bee sting. You can also take an oatmeal bath or apply lotion containing oatmeal to soothe the skin. (12) Some essential oils have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties (lavender oil and tea tree oil, respectively), and may be applied undiluted to a bee sting. (13) But those with a skin allergy may develop a rash after using essential oils, so be sure to test the oils on bare skin to see how you react before applying oils to a bee sting. Home Remedies for Treating Bee Stings
If you don’t have hydrocortisone, essential oils, oatmeal, or calamine lotion, other everyday items in your home can take the edge off a painful bee sting. “Honey contains anti-inflammatory properties, which means that it’s a great home remedy for bee stings,” says Caleb Backe, a certified health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics based in New York City. “It can reduce swelling, as well as prevent infection. Spread a small amount of honey onto the sting to provide gentle yet effective relief,” he says. (13) If you can’t get your hands on honey, aloe vera might be the next best thing. It’s been widely touted for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s been used for centuries as a healing agent and moisturizer, Backe says. (13) Other home remedies that may help ease pain and inflammation from a bee sting include echinacea, mint leaves, witch hazel, and even an onion. (13) Ingredients Used to Treat Bee Stings Naturally
Aloe Vera HoneyLavender A Final Word on Bee Stings Protect Yourself
If you’ve never been stung by a bee, you don’t really know how your body will respond to bee venom, and so it's important to know how to recognize signs of a reaction. It’s also important to take steps to protect yourself from stings in the first place. Don’t walk outside barefoot, avoid bright-colored clothing that can attract bees, pay attention to the location of beehives near your home, and if bees start to invade your personal space, contact a pest control company for professional removal. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter
SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Bee Sting: Overview. Mayo Clinic. August 10, 2017.Hey! A Bee Stung Me. KidsHealth From Nemours.No Fear of Stings. Garden Task Force of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign.Bee Spotter: Bee Stings. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Entomology.Prevention & Control: Bees and Wasps. Illinois Department of Public Health.Buchman S. Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa spp.). United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.Honey Bee Facts. American Beekeeping Federation.Bumble Bee (Bombus). Chesapeake Bay Program.Inouye D. Bumblebees (Bombus spp.). United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.Bee or Yellow Jacket Stings. Seattle Children’s Hospital. March 14, 2019.Insect Venom Allergies: Short-Term and Long-Term Treatment. National Center for Biotechnology Information. July 13, 2017.Bee Stings: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. August 10, 2017.Johnson K. Mosquito Bites and Bee Stings: Symptoms, Pathology, and Remedies. Ayurveda College. May 2012.Show Less The Latest in Bug Bites
Identifying and Treating Spider Bites
By Markham HeidOctober 5, 2022 Why Mosquito Bites Itch and How to Get Relief
By Markham HeidOctober 5, 2022 Everything You Need to Know About Mite and Flea Bites
By Markham HeidOctober 5, 2022 Bitten by a Tick How to Know
By Markham HeidSeptember 26, 2022 How to Know When It s a Chigger Bite
By Markham HeidSeptember 22, 2022 Bug Bites and Stings Everything You Need to Know
By Markham HeidNovember 26, 2020 Do Natural Bug Repellents Actually Work
Despite the itchy annoyance of bug bites and the risk of dangerous diseases that some insects carry, a lot of people don’t want to use bug repellents ...By Lisa RapaportSeptember 4, 2020 Is It Skeeter Syndrome
Here’s everything you need to know about allergic reactions to mosquito bites, including what to do about them.By Lisa RapaportJune 30, 2020 Study Mosquitoes Find You and Decide to Bite Because They Can Smell Your Breath
The new research may one day help scientists design new mosquito control options. By Lisa RapaportJuly 23, 2019 6 Things You Need to Know About the Asian Longhorned Tick
Expert answers on potential risks and why health officials are keeping a close eye on this foreign invader.By Becky UphamMay 23, 2019 MORE IN What Do Bedbug Bites Look Like
Impetigo Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment and More
10 Common Questions About Impetigo