For allergic reaction treatment: a bee sting kit, sometimes called an anaphylaxis kit

For soothing the sting-- ice, plus any of the following optional items: toothpaste, paste made from baking soda and water, or onion slices

For stinger removal and allergic reaction treatment-- as fast as possible

Soothing treatments-- ten to twenty minutes

Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening type of allergic reaction.

Bee sting kit (also known as an anaphalaxis kit): Contains either a syringe and one or more doses of adrenaline, which often preloaded in the syringe. While instructions are generally provided, it's best to consult a healthcare professional to understand how to properly use the kit. Also sold under several brand names such as Anakit and Epipen.

If you know that you or a family member are allergic to bee stings, keep a bee sting kit handy at home and in the kitchen.

Bees are attracted to bright colors and floral patterns. Wear subdued clothing if you're concerned about being stung. (This will also make you less interesting for mosquitoes.)

Stinging insects become more aggressive after pollen has been washed away. Use some caution if you're outdoors after a rainstorm.

2torial #0531: Learn2 Treat a Bee Sting Bee not afraid! Whether you escape to the mountains every weekend or stay tucked away in a well-manicured backyard, chances are you'll have a close encounter with a bee a few times in your life. Bee stings can be painful at best, and fatal if you're allergic to them. Fortunately, only four percent of the human population is allergic to bee stings, which means you probably won't require medical attention. Even if you're not allergic, you can reduce the pain and swelling if you respond correctly to this little trauma.   A bee stinger is one of nature's little wonders: after a bee stings you and deposits its stinger, the stinger continues to pump venom into your bloodstream for up to 20 minutes. A self-contained unit, the stinger has a barb to pierce your skin, a venom sac to hold the stuff that stings you, and a set of muscles to push the barb and venom deeper into your skin. It even has a hormone that makes other bees in the area more aggressive and prone to sting. Current research indicates that a swift removal of the stinger is preferable to a more careful removal that takes even five seconds longer. Unfortunately, no matter how fast you act, getting stung will always be painful, and you'll be left with a big welt to remind you of nature's little dangers. Of course, it's better to avoid getting stung in the first place! When many potential sting victims see a bee fly near them, they start swinging at it. Oddly enough, the bee interprets this action as an aggressive behavior; if it gets half a chance, it'll probably sting the aggressive person. Instead, try letting the bee fly around you (yes, even land on you) and you'll probably watch it fly away within ten seconds. Try it--you'll be amazed how well it works. It takes some self-control, but the pay-off is immediate and satisfying.   Search for the stinger When a bee uses its stinger, the stinger detaches from the bee's body and often remains in the wound. The bee goes off to die, since a part of its nervous system is left in the stinger (which is now in the victim's skin). Look for the raised, reddening area on the part of the body that has been stung. If the victim has received multiple stings, first look for areas on the head, neck and torso. Once the sting area has been located, look carefully for a small, dark object in the center that looks like a small splinter. This is the stinger. If the victim was stung multiple times, and you don't find a stinger at one site, move on to remove the rest of the readily visible stingers.   Remove the stinger Act quickly and simply. While a stinger remains in the wound, it continues to pump venom. It's imperative that you remove it as quickly as possible. Maybe you've read that you should use a pair of tweezers or a flat edge (such as a credit card) to scrape the stinger out of the wound. This view encouraged people to take their time, and remove the stinger carefully. This theory, now outdated, also promotes careless removal that'll squeeze the stinger and actually deposit the remainder of the venom into the victim's skin. Instead, recent research supports this strategy: Get the stinger out as fast as possible, any way that you can. So don't waste time looking for a credit card or tweezers. Use your thumb and forefinger to grab the stinger as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight out. If you find multiple sting areas, repeat until all stingers have been removed. Ask about allergies Four percent of the human population are allergic to bee stings. For these people a bee sting can be life-threatening, and requires prompt medical attention. Multiple stings can also cause severe reactions, especially in children and elderly people. Immediately ask the victim if he or she is allergic to bee stings.   If the answer is yes: ask the victim and any bystanders if anyone has a bee sting kit (also known as anaphylaxis kits--see Keywords). If a kit is available, follow the directions inside for treatment. If no kit is available, ask a bystander to dial 911 from the nearest phone and request an ambulance. If no bystander is available, find a phone yourself and place the call. If the answer is I don't know, or No: continue on to Step 4 while observing the victim for the following symptoms: headache, muscle cramps, fever, drowsiness or unconsciousness, and difficulty with breathing or swallowing. If any of these are observed, call 911 and request an ambulance. If multiple stings are involved: continue on to Step 4 while observing the victim for the same symptoms as above: headache, muscle cramps, fever, drowsiness or unconsciousness, and difficulty with breathing or swallowing. If you observe any of these reactions, call 911 and request an ambulance.   Soothe the sting There's a wide variety of sting remedies, and any person who gets stung regularly seems to have a different remedy that they swear by. But there's at least one remedy that's certain to ease the pain: Wash the sting area, using soap and water if they're available. If you're away from civilization, perhaps you have a first-aid kit with alcohol wipes--if so, use them. Apply cold compresses. Try putting ice cubes in a plastic bag or washcloth. If there is no ice available, try using a cloth that's been soaked in cold water. Typical home remedies for pain and swelling include toothpaste, paste made from baking soda and water, onion slices, and meat tenderizer (believe it or not). Find what works for you and stick to it!  -end- Learn More!