When bees or wasps sting a person, they inject venom through their stinger into the skin of the victim. Bee sting venom contains proteins that affect skin cells and the immune system, causing pain and swelling around the sting area.

In the normal reaction to a bee sting, the skin is reddened and painful. Swelling or itching may also occur, but the pain usually disappears over a few hours.

In the so-called large local reaction to an insect sting, the swelling, redness, and pain may persist for up to a week.

If you’re allergic to bee stings or you get stung numerous times, you may have a more serious reaction that requires emergency treatment.

Bee stings can be a bothersome and even painful experience, but having an effective home remedy on hand can help you get rid of the issue quickly and effectively.

BEE STING NATURAL TREATMENTS

REMOVE THE STINGER

The first and most important step for a bee sting is to remove the stinger as quickly as possible. The bee’s hind end contains a sac that holds venom, and it may continue pumping more venom into the skin if not extracted.

Use your fingernails, a pair of tweezers, or even a credit card to scrape out the stinger (be careful not to break the stinger and leave it buried in the skin).
Wash the area with antiseptic soap and water.

APPLY ICE

The next step is to apply an ice compress on the affected area for 20 minutes. Ice will numb the pain and slow blood flow to the area, which reduces swelling.

Now you can use one of these natural remedies:

BAKING SODA

Baking soda helps neutralize the acidic venom, thus providing quick relief from pain, itching and swelling.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste.
• Apply the paste on the wound for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Rince with lukewarm water. If the discomfort persists, repeat the process after a few hours (3).

BAKING SODA, VINEGAR & MEAT TENDERIZER

Make a paste of baking soda, vinegar and meat tenderizer. Apply this paste to the wound for 20 minutes, and then, remove. Repeat the process after every few hours.

Meat tenderizer contains papain, an enzyme, which breaks down the harmful toxins, attacking the skin.

WASP AND HORNET STINGS

Wasp and hornet venom are powerful alkalines. Use an acid such as vinegar to neutralize them.

• Dab some apple cider vinegar on the affected area by using a cotton ball.
• Make sure to keep the stings soaked for at least 15 minutes.

Source http://www.lifehealthandfood.com/

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