Bee stings can cause itching, swelling and pain. Pannekoeken They usually last for a few hours but may get worse if you are allergic to bees. If you have a bee allergy, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible because it can lead to a severe reaction called anaphylaxis which can be life threatening.
Most people have a mild reaction to bee stings and can recover from them at home. However, a small percentage of people who are hyper-sensitive to bee stings have a more serious reaction that can lead to anaphylactic shock. These people may have hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat.
Allergies to bee stings can occur if you are exposed to the apitoxin in bee venom, or a chemical in bee hives. This chemical causes the body to overreact and produce proteins known as immunoglobulin E or IgE. These proteins are then injected into the skin by a bee’s stinger.
In more severe reactions, these proteins may block a key protein in the cells of the immune system. This allows the immune system to overreact and attack the tissue in the stung area, leading to itching, hives, swollen airways and a more severe reaction that can be life-threatening.
If you have a bee allergy, you should avoid areas where bees are active and disturb their nests. This includes gardens, orchards and places where bees are a common pest.
When you’re outdoors, move slowly away from bees or other insects to avoid swatting them or getting stung. You can also use a cloth to trap insects in your car, or carry insect spray for protection.
Keep a bee sting kit (EpiPen or Auvi-Q) in your wallet or backpack at all times. This is important if you have an allergy to bee stings and you can’t always see the doctor immediately, or in case of an emergency.
If a bee sting does occur, treat the stung area with ice and a topical antihistamine or pain reliever to reduce itching and swelling. You can also apply a calamine lotion to the affected area as it helps cool the sting site and constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling.
A stung area should be cleaned thoroughly and covered with a cotton ball to prevent infection. You can also apply a cold compress such as an ice pack to reduce swelling and itching.
The stinger is the little black dot in a bee sting that pierces the skin. This can be removed by scraping it with a fingernail or credit card edge, and you should not leave the stinger in place as this can increase swelling.
Most bee stings are localized, meaning they only affect the affected area. If you stung more than one area, the venom will spread and it can cause an allergic reaction, so try to avoid getting stung again or if you do have a reaction, make sure to see your doctor as quickly as possible.