

And sign up for our FREE newsletter here for daily health, nutrition, and fitness advice. Go here to subscribe to Prevention and get 12 FREE gifts.

Support from readers like you helps us do our best work. Wright says, will likely be a round of antibiotics-something you can’t whip up on your own.

They will determine what sort of treatment is appropriate, depending on whether you have a mild or severe infection. “It’s really important to contact your doctor and talk about symptoms.” “I wouldn’t recommend self-treating,” Dr. If you suspect your sting is infected, don’t try to fix it at home and seek medical care ASAP. When to see a doctor about an infected bee sting In other words, the nature of a bee sting automatically leaves you open to infection in addition to actions like scratching or rubbing the skin. But the study reports that the microscopic hairs on honey bees, the fact that the insects are often attracted to garbage, and the puncture wound from a sting all expose patients to bacteria that has the potential to cause severe infection. There’s no evidence that bee stings put you at risk for certain infections over others, according to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins. Are bee sting infections worse than other infections? In the weeks after a sting, monitor the site closely for any unusual changes in the area. Wright notes that infections appear in as little as a few days, but they can also take weeks to present, leading you to believe that your wound is healing. It’s important to note that redness, swelling, and pain are common symptoms after a bee sting, so wait a few days before you start suspecting infection. “It can also feel warm or tender to touch, and if your infection is advancing, you could even get pus in the area.” Other symptoms include redness that spreads on the skin, a fever and chills, or increased pain.
#Honey bee sting how to
“That makes it easier for bacteria to permeate, which can lead to infection.” How to tell if your bee sting is infected But if you keep scratching, “there can be a breakdown of the skin,” Dr. Ground bees are remarkably similar to honeybees, however they don’t produce honey. Ground bees may look like yellow jackets or wasps, but they are not as aggressive. Also, many people may be concerned that ground bees can sting. Once the pain subsides, the sting could get itchy, which can be soothed with an oral antihistamine or 1% hydrocortisone cream. Ground nesting bees can create dirt piles in lawns, spoiling the look of lush turfgrass. For pain, you can take OTC treatments like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. “Apply anything cold, like ice, for a few minutes to try to minimize the swelling,” Dr. Next, gently wash the area with soap and water. What Does a Bee Sting Really Look Like?.Remember that for most people, a bee sting is just a nuisance that doesn’t require any special treatment-but it’s always worth talking to your doctor if you’re experiencing any especially severe or persistent symptoms. Yellow, pus-like discharge from the sting.Red streaks that shoot out from the sting.Swelling, warmth, and tenderness around the sting that doesn’t go away.This isn’t super common but if you notice any of these symptoms, you’ll want to see a medical professional: Scratching the area can also allow bacteria into the wound and increase your risk for infection.

When a young child, older adult, or person with heart or breathing problems is stung more than a dozen times, the venom can become toxic, according to the Mayo Clinic, which can also cause a medical emergency. The number of times you’re stung also matters. 4 For a bee sting, you can add a few drops of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball and dab this onto the affected area.
