How to Remove a Bee Stinger

Overview

The venom in a bee stinger can cause irritations around the affected area, including a bit of swelling, a sharp hot pain and a reddish welt. For most people, getting stung by a bee is a minor annoyance lasting up to a few hours.

If you are allergic to the venom in a bee stinger, the body's reaction will be more severe. A lot of swelling at the affected area, itchy hives covering the entire body, shortness of breath, and digestive problems are all signs that someone has an allergy to bee stings. The majority of allergic reactions will show themselves within minutes of the attack, but sometimes they can develop a few days later. Seeking medical attention promptly is safest in these types of incidences.

For people who are not allergic to the venom and have not been stung in an oral cavity, first aid for removing a bee stinger is sufficient care.

Step 1

Locate the bee stinger.

Step 2

Remove the bee stinger. This can be accomplished by scraping it away from the skin with your fingernail or credit card. Alternatively, you may wish to pull the bee stinger out with a pair of tweezers. Take care not to squeeze the venom sac of the bee stinger during removal as this could cause even more venom to enter your bloodstream.

Step 3

Wash the afflicted area with soap and water.

Step 4

Apply a cold pack on the area to decrease swelling and ease pain. Placing a thin cloth or piece of gauze between your skin and the cold pack will help prevent skin tissue damage.

Step 5

Resist the urge to scratch the bee sting area. Doing so will only increase the itching and swelling, and it could even cause an infection to develop.