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It is impossible to completely protect yourself from a bee sting. Therefore, it is important to know what measures to take in the event of an insect attack. A bee sting causes significant discomfort and can provoke an allergic reaction. But it is not at all necessary to see a doctor right away. Emergency assistance can be provided without leaving your home.
How does the human body react to a bee sting?
Bees attack people only if they feel threatened by him. The insect can only bite once in its life because its sting remains under the skin. After this, the bee dies. Bee venom (apitoxin) is considered a toxic substance. When it penetrates the human blood, symptoms of poisoning and local irritation appear. This is triggered by the body's defense mechanism. The following signs are considered a natural reaction to a bite:
- swelling of the skin;
- itching;
- redness around damaged skin;
- pain syndrome.
Symptoms of a bite last on average for 5 days. When using alternative medicine, recovery occurs faster. In this case, the swelling subsides the very next day.
There is also a positive effect of a bee sting on the human body. Apitoxin stimulates the functioning of all life support systems. This leads to strengthening of the immune system, which is especially important for surviving viral and infectious diseases. Once in the blood, the poison mobilizes strength and has a thinning effect on the blood. In some cases this brings health benefits, in others it provokes undesirable consequences.
Folk remedies for bee stings
If a person is stung by a bee, the consequences can be eliminated at home. For this, improvised means are used. The main goal of first aid is to relieve swelling. Then measures are taken to stop the process of spreading the poison and prevent infection from entering the wound. The most effective folk remedies include:
- aloe;
- tansy;
- plantain leaves;
- olive oil;
- solution of activated carbon or acetylsalicylic acid;
- mint juice;
- onion puree;
- soda solution.
What to do at home if bitten by a bee
Everyone should know how to provide first aid for a bee sting at home. This will help prevent infection from entering the wound and minimize the harmful effects of the toxin. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Remove the sting from the wound.
- Disinfect the bite site.
- Apply a tourniquet to prevent the poison from spreading throughout the body.
- Call a doctor if you feel unwell.
- Eliminate swelling with a cold compress.
- Measure your pulse and blood pressure.
- Relieve symptoms with folk remedies.
- Take antihistamines if allergies develop.
If the bite occurs on mucous surfaces, you should rinse them thoroughly with clean water. While waiting for the doctor, it is advisable to take a horizontal body position. It is important to ensure adequate oxygen access.
First aid for a bee or wasp sting at home
Initially, the bee sting should be removed from the skin. It is recommended to use tweezers for this. The longer the sting is under the skin, the more dangerous the effect of the poison. To prevent infection from entering the wound, it is necessary to disinfect the instrument with alcohol or moonshine. After removing the sting, you need to treat the area around the bite.
Cold compresses or applying olive oil to the skin will help relieve swelling and redness. Applying aloe leaves to the problem area will help relieve the inflammatory process. The plant is cut lengthwise. The inner side is applied to the problem area. To reduce pain, you need to apply a cotton swab or gauze soaked in herbal decoctions to the wound.
How to remove swelling from a bee sting at home
If you are bitten by a bee, you need to relieve the swelling at home. This will help relieve pain. Measures should be taken in the first hours after the bite, before the poison has time to spread to other areas. The most effective decongestants include:
- baking soda solution;
- Apple vinegar;
- honey;
- mud paste;
- tobacco;
- raw potatoes;
- activated carbon slurry.
The most suitable folk remedy for a bee sting must be applied to the affected area, and then secured with a bandage. After 20-30 minutes, the swelling will become less noticeable. The pronounced pain will disappear along with it. If necessary, the procedure is repeated after 3-4 hours.
How to anoint a bee sting at home
It is not necessary to smear a bee sting at home with expensive medications. Traditional medicine can cope with the problem just as well. The simplest option is considered to be regular alcohol. Olive oil will have a similar effect. But before applying it, it is advisable to keep it in the refrigerator. You can apply Echinacea tincture to the bite area. It not only relieves inflammation, but also reduces the risk of developing allergies. It is also recommended to use herbal infusions. The following medicinal plants have a good regenerative effect:
- series;
- plantain;
- birch;
- aloe;
- parsley.
A decoction of St. John's wort, oak bark and mint will help relieve the pain of a bee sting at home. The principle of its preparation is as follows:
- Herbs are mixed in equal proportions.
- 1 tsp. The mixture is steamed with a glass of hot water.
- After 20 minutes, the medicinal product is filtered.
- Moisten the problem area with the decoction 2-3 times a day.
How to treat a bee sting at home
The speed of wound healing depends on the quality of wound care. To speed up regeneration, you should treat a bee sting at home with effective remedies. For this purpose, compositions with a bactericidal effect are used.The body is strengthened both from the inside and outside. Parsley decoction will help boost immunity and reduce inflammation. As a result of its use, swelling is relieved and discomfort is eliminated. It is prepared according to the following scheme:
- 50 g of fresh herbs are thoroughly chopped with a knife.
- The greens are poured into 500 ml of water and boiled for 6 minutes.
- After removing from the heat, leave the parsley covered for half an hour.
- The resulting product is taken orally once a day, 50 ml.
To speed up the recovery process, drinking plenty of warm fluids is encouraged. This will help remove toxins from the body faster. It is recommended to drink tea based on chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula or sage.
If your general health does not cause concern, you can treat a bee sting at home. For swelling, lotions based on folk remedies help well. A small piece of fabric is soaked in calendula tincture, soda solution or boric alcohol. Such lotions alternate with the application of cold. The first day, the lotion should be changed every 30-40 minutes. The next day the need for the procedure decreases. Gauze soaked in a medicinal solution can be applied to the affected area 3-4 times a day.
Tea tree oil will help relieve itching from a bee sting at home. After applying it to the skin, a burning sensation may occur. After some time it disappears. The oil is distinguished by its ability to draw toxins from the body and have an antibacterial effect. Onion juice has a similar effect. Half of the onion is applied to the bite site for 10 minutes. This will help relieve itching and pain.
If the incident occurred far from home, you can use plants growing nearby. A paste of mint, plantain or celandine is applied to the bite site. It is advisable to additionally secure the leaves with a clean piece of cloth.
In what cases should you consult a doctor?
Treating a bee sting accompanied by swelling at home is not always advisable. Some cases require immediate medical attention. Young children are at risk. They are more prone to an allergic reaction than adults. Medical assistance is also necessary in the following cases:
- increased body temperature;
- development of Quincke's edema;
- loss of consciousness;
- paleness of the skin;
- hoarse voice.
Particular vigilance must be exercised if a bee has bitten you on the face. Then the swelling will be more pronounced. If it affects the organs of the respiratory system, suffocation will occur. This condition is fatal. If you are bitten in the eye, it is important to visit an ophthalmologist to rule out possible complications with visual function.
It is also necessary to call a doctor if symptoms of an allergic reaction appear. It is characterized by rashes, itching sensations and swelling of the mucous surfaces. In some cases, a severe runny nose and pronounced tearing develop.
Conclusion
A bee sting is most often tolerated without complications. Allergies, severe pain and secondary infection are rare consequences of a bite. Proper wound care will ensure a quick recovery without unwanted health consequences.
