How to Remove a Bee Stinger From the Skin

Overview

Getting stung by an insect is an unpleasant experience. Bees usually avoid stinging and often fly away when confronted. Most people are not allergic to bee stings and the pain is only temporary. The initial pain is sharp, later turning into a dull aching pain. The sting site may be sensitive up to several days after the sting occurred. When a bee stings, venom is also injected into the skin, causing increased pain to the victim. Unlike the hornets and wasps who can sting multiple times, a bee can only sting once because the stinger is barbed. The stinger should carefully be removed from the skin.

Step 1

Avoid rubbing or itching the site of the sting. Bacteria can enter the skin and cause an infection.

Step 2

Look for a minute dark dot at the site of the sting. Use a credit card, fingernail or hard object such as a knife and quickly swipe the area. Swipe the object parallel to the skin. Removing the stinger as soon as possible so no further venom can be released into the skin.

Step 3

Pull the stinger directly out, if the above method fails. Removing the stinger within 15 seconds will greatly decrease the pain and inflammation at the sting site. If the stinger cannot be removed and is under the skin, leave it there. The skin will shed the stinger naturally, similar to a splinter.

Step 4

Apply cold ice to the area. If the stinging sensation continues, apply meat tenderizer, baking soda or white vinegar. Do not leave the meat tenderizer on the skin for more than 15 minutes.

Step 5

Seek immediate medical attention if respiratory difficulty occurs. If a sting happens in the nose or mouth, seek medical attention, even if an allergic reaction is not present. Swelling in these passageways can obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult.