Bee stings are common accidents that can easily cause anaphylactic shock or infection if not handled correctly. See our guide for safe bee sting first aid to avoid dangerous situations!
Symptoms of a Bee Sting
Bee stings are a common everyday occurrence, especially prevalent during spring and summer – when bees thrive in nature. In Vietnam, common types of bees include honey bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets – all of which can sting humans. Symptoms of a bee sting depend on an individual’s allergic response, the number of stings, and the level of venom from venomous bees. Reactions can range from temporary pain and discomfort to severe allergic reactions.
Mild reaction: This is the most common type, with symptoms such as stinging pain, and slight redness and swelling around the sting site. Most symptoms disappear within a few hours without medical intervention.
Moderate reaction: Some people experience a stronger reaction, characterized by redness, significant swelling around the sting site that spreads over the next 1 or 2 days. These signs usually subside within 5–10 days with proper care.
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock): Although rare, anaphylactic shock from a bee sting can be life-threatening and requires emergency treatment. A small percentage of patients may experience signs of anaphylactic shock such as:
Rapid, weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness
Early recognition of bee sting symptoms and differentiating the severity of the reaction helps with timely treatment, especially in cases that could lead to anaphylactic shock.
Redness, significant swelling around the sting site that spreads over the next 1 or 2 days
Correct and Safe Bee Sting First Aid Instructions
When stung by a bee, many people often apply oil or use traditional remedies to reduce swelling and pain. However, bee sting first aid is not just about applying medication; it also involves monitoring for acute complications such as respiratory failure, kidney failure, or anaphylactic shock. Here are the correct steps to take when stung by a bee:
Immediately remove the victim from the area where bees are attacking. Have the victim lie still, avoiding excessive movement to limit the spread of venom throughout the body. Unlike other insects, bees often leave their stinger and venom sac at the sting site. If you see the stinger protruding from the skin, gently remove it with tweezers. Avoid using your fingers to scratch, rub, or press on the sting, as the venom sac can continue to pump venom into the body. Remove the stinger as quickly as possible to prevent more severe swelling and pain.
Wash the sting site with soap, clean water, or warm water, combined with an antiseptic solution.
Apply ice or a clean cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
Encourage drinking plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
Use an antiseptic solution on the wound daily.
Use supportive medications when necessary: Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or loratadine help reduce itching and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can be used if pain is severe. Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion helps reduce redness, pain, itching, and swelling at the sting site.
Absolutely do not use traditional medicine, unauthorized Western medicine, or apply lime to the sting site.
Immediately after bee sting first aid, the victim should be taken to the nearest medical facility for timely emergency treatment. In cases of severe reactions at the sting site, a doctor may prescribe antihistamines and corticosteroids to control serious symptoms.
Typically, swelling will last from a few hours to 7 days
How Long Does Bee Sting Swelling Last?
Typically, swelling will last from a few hours to 7 days. However, for those with allergic reactions or improper treatment, recovery time may be longer.
When a bee stings, its venom glands release various potent compounds such as histamine, melittin, and phospholipase. These substances cause vasodilation, cell breakdown, and immune system stimulation. The result is swelling, redness, and pain around the sting site. This is a normal human body reaction to insect venom.
For healthy individuals, small, non-spreading swelling typically lasts about 2 to 4 days. If stung by a honey bee, as this species stings only once and leaves its stinger, swelling may persist longer if not treated promptly. Wasps or hornets, on the other hand, can sting multiple times and inject more venom, leading to more severe skin damage and swelling lasting up to 7 days.
Wrap ice in a clean cloth and apply for 10–15 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes, then reapply if needed.
Common Mistakes in Bee Sting Treatment and Prevention
Here are the most common mistakes and the correct ways to address them, helping you proactively protect your health if you are unfortunately stung by a bee.
Removing the stinger with bare hands
One common reflex when stung by a bee is to immediately use fingers to pull out the stinger. This action can easily infect the sting site and inadvertently push more venom deeper into the skin. Correct method: Use the edge of a plastic card, a clean knife edge, or a fingernail to gently scrape the stinger out of the skin horizontally. Do not squeeze or pull straight up.
Applying ice directly to the sting
Many people apply ice directly to a bee sting hoping to relieve pain, but this can cause skin irritation, frostbite, or tissue damage. Correct method: Wrap ice in a clean cloth and apply for 10–15 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes, then reapply if needed.
Applying Balm, Fish Sauce, or Toothpaste
These are common folk remedies. However, they lack scientific basis and can even irritate or infect the wound. Correct method: Clean the sting site with water and mild soap. Afterward, use an topical hydrocortisone cream or anti-inflammatory cream to reduce swelling.
Not Observing for Allergic Signs After Stinging
Some people only treat the external wound while ignoring signs of systemic reactions, especially in individuals with sensitive constitutions. Warning: If symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, generalized hives, or loss of consciousness appear within minutes to hours, immediately seek medical attention. These could be signs of anaphylactic shock due to bee venom allergy.
Continuing Outdoor Activities After Being Stung
Continuing to work or exercise after being stung by a wasp or honey bee can cause the venom to spread faster through the circulatory system. Recommendation: Rest for at least 30 minutes after being stung. Carefully observe your body’s reactions for 24 hours.
Not Sanitizing Hands During Treatment
Treating a sting without washing hands or using gloves increases the risk of widespread infection. Correct method: Before touching the stung area, wash your hands with soap or an antiseptic solution.
Being Negligent with Small Stings
Many people think that bees only sting once and then die, so after a minor sting, they might ignore it. However, even a small amount of venom can cause a histamine reaction in the human body. Note: Even a small sting, if not treated correctly, can last for several days, causing localized numbness or secondary infection.
Wear appropriate protective clothing
How to Prevent Bee Stings When Hiking or Gardening
Here are practical steps to help you effectively prevent bee stings when hiking or gardening:
Wear appropriate protective clothing: Always wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a mesh hat if available. Clothing should be light-colored, as bees are often provoked by dark colors and sudden movements.
Avoid using perfumes and scented cosmetics: Fragrances easily attract bees, especially in forests where various forest ecosystems with active invertebrates thrive.
Observe and avoid areas with beehives: Absolutely do not shake trees, branches, or large rocks where bees might build nests. If you spot a beehive, stay at least 10 meters away.
Do not wave your hands or run when a bee flies nearby: Sudden movements make bees feel threatened. Stay calm, cover your head, and slowly move away from the area.
Garden at appropriate times: Early morning or late afternoon are when bees are least active. Avoid gardening at midday – the time when bees are usually foraging.
Be cautious with food and drinks outdoors: Do not leave sweet foods or carbonated drinks exposed for long. Bees are very sensitive to smells and easily attracted.
Carry a personal first aid kit: Include allergy medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers for bee stings, bandages, and tweezers. In case of a bee sting, the sooner it is treated, the milder the body’s reaction is likely to be.
Learn about common stinging insects: Knowing how to distinguish between bee stings, mosquito bites, fire ant stings, scorpion stings, and snake bites helps you react appropriately if stung or bitten, avoiding confusion in wound first aid.
Increase your knowledge of bee venom allergy: If you or someone you are with has a history of bee venom allergy, carry an epinephrine auto-injector. This is a life-saving measure in cases of temporary loss of consciousness or systemic histamine reactions.
Regularly update your knowledge: Learning about natural food chains, insect venom, and how they work will help you not only prevent stings but also understand the biological mechanisms of stings for more effective treatment.
Preventing bee stings is not just for hikers or gardeners. It is an important life skill, related to safety, health, and even life itself. Make these tips a habit every time you go outdoors, especially in high-risk environments. With proper preparation, you will always be proactive and safe.
