What Does It Mean to Be Stung by a Bee? Symptoms, Treatment

What Does It Mean to Be Stung By a Bee?

Getting stung by a bee is never a pleasant experience. But what does it actually feel like when a bee injects its venom into your skin? And what kind of treatment options and home remedies are available for soothing bee sting symptoms?

Bee Sting Basics

Before exploring what the experience and meaning behind a bee sting really entails, let’s cover some basics on these buzzing insects and why they resort to stinging behavior in the first place.

Types of Bees That Can Sting

The most common stinging insects from the bee and wasp family include:

• Honeybees
• Bumblebees
• Paper wasps
• Yellowjackets
• Hornets

Not all bees actually sting. Male bees and species like carpenter bees have no stingers at all. But female worker bees responsible for guarding their hives will sting to defend against perceived attackers near the nest.

Why Do Bees Sting Humans?

We seem huge and intimidating from a bee’s point of view. So getting too close to their hive or making sudden movements nearby can activate defensive stinging behavior. Additionally, accidentally swatting near or stepping on a bee may trigger a sting.

Bee Sting Signs & Symptoms

Wondering if that sharp prick you just felt means you got stung by a bee? Here are some key signs to look out for.

Initial Bee Sting Pain

The first indication of a bee sting is typically an instant, sharp pain at the sting site. It will feel somewhat like being stabbed with a small needle as the stinger instantly releases venom when the bee jabs your skin.

Stinger Visible in Skin

Once stung, pull the area taut. If you can see the slender stinger still poking half out of your skin, that offers clear confirmation a bee did indeed sting you.

Redness Around Sting Location

As the venom absorbs into skin and tissues around the area, inflammation will rapidly cause redness and warmth spreading an inch or more around the sting.

Swelling at Sting Site

Within minutes as excess fluid rushes to the impacted area, swelling will result. A small, raised welt often surrounds the sting.

Itching or Burning

Inflammatory bee sting compounds can stimulate nerve endings and histamine release in skin that translates into itchy, burning and irritated sensations around the sting.

If someone experiences any signs of a more systemic, life-threatening allergic reaction to insect venom such as trouble breathing, hives, dizziness or swelling in the throat, seek emergency medical care immediately.

What Does It Mean When a Bee Stings You?

Now that you know what to look and feel for after an insect sting, what does being stung by a bee actually signify?

Venom Coursing Under Your Skin

Primarily it means you unfortunately have bee venom - a complex mixture of enzymes, peptides and other proteins - now coursing through your body's tissues around the sting site. This mixture produces the painful inflammation and irritation felt after a sting.

Bee Died After Stinging You

In leaving behind its stinger and venom sack attached to the victim, a honey bee essentially rips out its lower abdomen and digestive tract. This means every bee that manages to sting eventually dies shortly after.

Need to Remove the Stinger Quickly

For maximum pain relief, swiftly scrape off the stinger left embedded in your skin using your fingernail or edge of a stiff card. Try not to pinch the venom sac attached as this forces more venom into surrounding tissues.

Home Remedies & Treatment for Bee Stings

Feeling distressed from the hot, swollen pain of a recent bee sting? Don't worry - many home remedies and over-the-counter methods can safely soothe bee sting symptoms and promote healing. Here are some of the most popular choices.

Wash With Soap & Water

Carefully wash the sting area with mild soap and water to remove some traces of remaining venom and debris that could cause an infection.

Apply a Cold Pack

Numbing an irritated bee sting with something frozen - like an ice cube wrapped in cloth or even a bag of frozen peas - can help diminish painful swelling and inflammation.

Try an OTC Antihistamine

Over-the-counter oral antihistamines containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can counter the histamine response and calm itching, redness and discomfort.

Use Hydrocortisone Cream

Dab on some hydrocortisone cream containing at least 1% hydrocortisone to ease surface skin inflammation and swelling.

Take a Pain Reliever

Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can relieve aching pain at the raised, irritated bee sting site.

Try a Paste of Baking Soda & Water

Forming a thin paste of baking soda and water and spreading over the sting pulls out swelling-causing venom proteins and eases itching.

Apply Vinegar to the Sting

Acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar or other types of vinegars neutralizes bee sting venom, reducing the pain of inflammation.

Rub On Plantain Weed Salve

Natural, homemade plantain weed salve contains anti-inflammatory allantoin to calm skin reactions and promote fast healing.

When to Seek Emergency Care After a Bee Sting

In the vast majority of bee stings, self-care and home treatment provides adequate relief. However prompt emergency medical care offers life-saving intervention in the event of severe allergic reactions to bee sting venom.

Signs of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis causes whole-body, sudden reactions that impair breathing and send the body into shock. Call 911 immediately if after a bee sting you experience:

• Difficulty breathing, swallowing
• Rapid heart rate, dizziness, confusion
• Weld, raised rash or hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, throat
• Stomach cramps, vomiting

Multiple Bee Stings

If swarmed and stung excessively - estimates vary but typically more than 10 times - the amount of venom could overwhelm the body's defenses. Monitor for signs of shock or life-threatening allergic reaction in multiple bee sting cases.

With proper first aid, most mild to moderate bee stings resolve well at home. But recurrent or highly inflammatory stings should receive a doctor's care to prevent infection risks and monitor the body's response.

Preventing Stings From Bees

Now that you understand clearly what happens during and after a bee administers its sharp, painful sting, here are helpful tips to lower your risk.

Avoid Scents That Attract Bees

Perfume, strongly scented shampoos and soaps can unwittingly lure nearby bees towards you. Rinse off these fragrances after bathing.

Wear Light Colored Clothing Outdoors

Bees seem to react more defensively to darker clothing colors which are probably perceived as predator threats near the hive.

Cover Food & Drinks Outdoors

Prevent bees scavenging around your picnic, sweet sodas or other food by keeping them covered when outside.

Remain Calm Around Bee Areas

Avoid intentionally annoying bees, but even calm bees may sting if accidentally disturbed. Remain poised and slowly move away if bees swarm nearby.

Know Your Own Bee Allergy Risk

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to bee stings, consult an allergist about preventative strategies like venom immunotherapy shots to desensitize your body.

Exercising caution outdoors helps us co-exist safely alongside helpful bee species. Stings occasionally still happen despite best efforts. By quickly recognizing symptoms and using proven home treatments, bee sting discomfort resolves more swiftly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.