Yellow-jackets, hornets, and wasps, oh-my!

A bee sting can ruin a summer outing in a hurry. The only consolation is that the act of stinging actually kills the bee, so the same buzzer will not be back!

WHAT TO DO:

1. Remove the stinger immediately. The longer it remains embedded in the skin, the worse the sting will be. A dark dot in the sore area indicates the presence of the stinger. Try to scrape the stinger out with your fingernails or the edge of a credit card, rather than pinching it with tweezers. (Pinching may release more bee venom under the skin.)

2. Meat tenderizer can break down the bee venom and diminish pain. Mix one teaspoon of meat tenderizer with four teaspoons of water. Gently dab directly onto stung area of skin. Rinse off after a few minutes to prevent skin irritation. In a pinch (ugh!), use roll-on antiperspirant containing aluminum chlorohydrate for a similar effect.

3. Apply a cold compress, ice-pack, or cold water rinse for 10-20 minutes to reduce swelling.

4. Give an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (according to package directions) to minimize a potential allergic reaction.

5. Wash the wound carefully. Use calamine lotion, hydrocortisone ointment, or anti-itch creams to provide relief. Balmex (diaper-rash cream) is excellent for treating bee stings.

6. Give an over-the-counter oral anti-inflammatory (acetaminophen or ibuprophen) for pain, if needed.

7. Observe the patient for the next few hours. A painful red bump is a normal reaction. Some swelling may occur. Localized aching may also be evident.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION:

Some people may have serious allergies to bee stings. Watch for the following signs: hives, rashes, vomiting, dizziness, hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, generalized swelling, overall weakness, or fever. Anaphylactic allergic responses can be fatal, if untreated. In severe cases, a bee sting victim may need an on-site tracheotomy (to make an airway through the throat). Seek a trained medical professional for this!

My brother's life was saved by a doctor on a camping trip, who punctured his larynx with a Bic pen to allow him to breathe!

Those who do have allergic reactions to bee stings tend to have increasingly dangerous reactions with each new episode. Such individuals often carry an Epi-Pen or another anti-allergenic kit as a precaution.

If a person has been stung ten or more times or inside the nose or mouth, seek medical help immediately (before swelling blocks his airway).

HOW TO PREVENT BEE STINGS:

Topical insect repellents do not deter bees.

The main defense is to avoid attracting bees in the first place. Bees are attracted to bright colored clothing, floral fragrances, hairsprays, scented soaps and lotions, and sugar or syrup.

Syrup, jam, or candy stains on clothes may call bees to land on children.

Sweetened sodas are a common culprit when picnickers are stung. (Bees enter the can and sting when the can is lifted to the mouth for drinking!) Always use straws for sweetened sodas outside!

Outdoor cafes often place open containers of soda syrup on the periphery of their property to attract bees away from diners.

If a bee should land on you, hold still. Sudden movements startle bees, making them sting. Swatting will aggravate them, too, although gentle blowing may send them flying.

Shoes and long pants will prevent stings in tall grass and brush. A hat will prevent bees from landing in your hair.

Many stings occur when nests of bees are disturbed. Watching your step in the wilderness can be wise!

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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