---
title: Bee Sting 101 and First Aid Tips
description: Do you know what to do for a bee sting? Here are some first aid tips.
---

[Child Care Blog | Horizon Education Centers ](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog)

# [Bee Sting 101 and First Aid Tips](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/354586/bee-sting-101-and-first-aid-tips)

 Written by [David Smith](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/author/david-smith) | Fri, Sep 12, 2014 @ 12:30 PM

Do you know what to do if you or a family member suffers a bee sting? With reactions that can vary from minor redness and swelling to major allergic reactions, a little knowledge can go a long way…

### Bee sting 101:

• Reactions to bee stings may be immediate (less than 4 hours) or delayed (up to a week after the sting).

• Swelling may be local, affect the entire limb, or present systemic symptoms due to allergies (see [emergency](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/350938/What-to-Ask-Your-Childcare-Provider-about-Emergency-Preparedness) symptoms below). Large local reactions do not indicate future [allergies](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/284468/Helping-Your-Child-Cope-with-Spring-Allergies).

• Severe, toxic reactions usually follow multiple stings.

### First aid tips for stings:

• **Remove the stinger carefully.** Remove the stinger using a pair of tweezers, or scrape the stinger out with your nail. Never squeeze the stinger, as this will release more venom. Be aware there may not be a stinger, as the honeybee is the only bee to leave it behind.

• **[Soothe](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/344403/When-Are-Children-Ready-to-Give-Up-Their-Security-Blankets) the area.** Applying ice to the affected area not only provides pain relief, but prevents the spread of venom. A baking soda paste can also provide soothing relief.

• **Treat itch.** Oatmeal paste and topical antihistamines offer effective itch relief.

• **Breakdown venom.** Meat tenderizer contains an enzyme capable of breaking down meat protein, which is effective in breaking down the proteins in bee venom.

### [Call 9-1-1](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/313826/When-Your-Toddler-Needs-Emergency-Care-pt-1) if a family member or child experiences:

• Trouble breathing.

• Swollen tongue or difficulty swallowing.

• Hives or a raised rash.

• Feelings of faintness or dizziness.

• A history of severe allergic reaction to bug bites and stings.

**Looking for a child care center with the 4-1-1 for emergency situations? [Horizon Education Centers](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/) offers convenient locations in Cleveland, Elyria, Lorain, North Olmstead, and North Ridgeville.**

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[View full post](https://www.horizoneducationcenters.org/blog/bid/354586/bee-sting-101-and-first-aid-tips)

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