What remedy to use in case of bee sting
A bee sting can be very painful and is potentially dangerous. A bee sting causes a stinging pain, redness, itching and inflammation in the area bitten. If you have additional symptoms like dizziness, fever or difficulty in breathing then it may an allergic reaction to the venom of the bee sting. You may require medical attention in such a case, to identify the type of bee sting venom. In most cases however, a bee sting can be nursed at home with a few home remedies and diminishes after a few hours.
The most essential component of treating a bee sting is to first remove the stinger from the bite. Look for a black spot in the area where you were bitten and using either a pair of tweezers or a knife that is blunt, pull out the stinger while making sure not to break it or leave a part of it behind in the skin. Leaving a part of the stinger in your skin may lead to an infection. Once you have removed the stinger, ice should immediately be applied on the bite to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. You can try the following home remedies to cure the bee sting.
Applying toothpaste on the bite helps to cure it quickly. Toothpaste is composed of an alkaline substance while the venom of the bee sting is acidic. As a result, the toothpaste neutralizes the effect of the venom. Applying papaya on the bite after removing the stinger helps the bite heal. Papaya contains papain, a compound that breaks down the proteins in the venom. Apply a paste made of baking soda and water directly on the bite for twenty minutes to relieve pain. You can apply essential oils, mainly castor oil or lavender oil, to the bite to help reduce pain and swelling. Applying ammonia on the bite also helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Honey and aloe vera juice are equally effective in curing a bee sting. Honey is a natural antiseptic and aloe vera juice is an effective remedy for any skin inflammation. You can also use a paste made by using equal portions of meat tenderizer, baking soda and vinegar and apply it on the bite. Vinegar, like toothpaste, helps neutralize the effects of the venom and meat tenderizer works like papaya and breaks down the proteins contained in the venom. If, however, your symptoms persist for longer than seventy two hours, you should seek medical attention to investigate a possible allergy or infection.
