Lifestyle and home remedies

If a bee stings you or your child, follow the suggestions below.

Treatment for minor reactions

• If you can, remove the stinger as soon as possible, such as by scraping it off with a fingernail. Don't try to remove a stinger below the skin surface. A stinger may not be present, as only bees leave their stingers. Other stinging insects, such as wasps, do not.
• Wash the sting area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress.

Treatment for moderate reactions

The following steps may help ease the swelling and itching often associated with large local reactions:

• If you can, remove the stinger as soon as possible, such as by scraping it off with a fingernail. Don't try to remove a stinger below the skin surface. A stinger may not be present, as only bees leave their stingers. Other stinging insects, such as wasps, do not.
• Wash the affected area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. You might try ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to help ease discomfort.
• If the sting is on an arm or leg, elevate it.
• Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to ease redness, itching or swelling.
• If itching or swelling is bothersome, take an oral antihistamine that contains diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine.
• Avoid scratching the sting area. This will worsen itching and swelling and increase your risk of infection.