In daily life, if one is not careful, they may get stung by a bee. We know that being stung by a bee can cause skin swelling and pain. Bees have barbs on the parts that sting, and if they are not removed promptly, the toxins inside will continue to stimulate the skin, leading to more severe symptoms. If the barb is deeply embedded in the skin and cannot be seen, emergency measures must be taken promptly to remove it. Let's take a look at what to do if you are stung by a bee but cannot see the barb.

What to Do If You Are Stung by a Bee But Cannot See the Barb

1. Examine the Injury: The venom needle and intestines of a bee are connected, and after stinging, the venom needle and intestines will remain in the human skin. Therefore, after being stung by a bee, it is important to carefully examine the stung area. If the venom needle is still in the skin, it should be removed. If no venom needle is found, it means that the venom needle has already fallen off, and you can proceed to the next step.

2. Wash with Alkali Solution: Bee venom is a complex mixture that is acidic. In addition to containing 80-88% water, it also contains bee venom, peptides, active enzymes, biogenic amines, carbohydrates, and other substances. Therefore, after being stung by a bee, it is recommended to first rinse the injury with cold water to reduce tissue exudation, and then use alkaline solutions such as soap water or soda water to neutralize the toxicity.

3. Apply Medication: Bee venom is relatively weak, and the injury can usually heal within 1-2 days after rinsing with an alkaline solution. However, if you want to quickly reduce swelling, you can apply topical ointments such as Wanhua Oil, Safflower Oil, or Green Salve. Alternatively, you can mash and apply ginger, garlic, or purslane to the injury. However, if you experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irritability, or fever due to an allergic reaction to bee venom, you should seek immediate medical attention.