A bee sting can be horrific, but they don’t affect all of us in the same way – and with another month of summer to go, chances are you’ll be faced with the bugs at some point.
Most bee sting victims will get better after enduring a sharp, localized pain for a few hours, but if you’re still suffering, it could indicate something more serious: an allergy.
Anaphylaxis UK says you’re more likely to have a severe allergic reaction if you’ve had multiple stings in the past.
The wing insects scare many of us, but did you know that in more severe cases you can have a life-threatening reaction?
MailOnline spoke with Dr. Helen Evans-Howells, who owns Dr. Helen Allergy in Bournemouth and Dorchester – and also campaigns for Anaphylaxis UK.
A bee sting can be horrifying, but they don’t all affect us in the same way – and with one month of summer to go, chances are you’ll be faced with the bugs at some point
What a bee sting looks like
The main symptom of a bee sting is a small, swollen lump on the skin.
It may look red and harder to see on tan skin and back, but you will still feel it.
This is similar to how a wasp sting will appear on your skin.
Anaphylaxis UK stress: ‘If you find a nest of bees in your house or garden, don’t try to move it yourself. Call the municipality or the Bijenhouderij for advice.’
What to do if you’ve been stung by a bee
Dr. Helen recommended the “scrape, don’t pinch” method for bee sting victims.
She explained, “The first thing to do is try to remove the poison from your bloodstream.
‘You can do this by tapping the end of the stinger off with a credit card.
“This can be done at home because you don’t know how long it will take to get to your doctor.”
But Dr. Helen insists most bee stings are harmless and many are not always aware of how to detect allergies.
What NOT to do if you have been stung by a bee
MailOnline also spoke with Dr. Naheed Ali, of the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
She said: ‘While a bee sting is often a minor inconvenience, they can cause temporary pain and redness and, in rare cases, lead to serious complications. That is why it is crucial to know how to respond quickly and appropriately.
Although it may be tempting, don’t scratch the affected area. Scratching can bring temporary relief, but can lead to complications, including infection.
Instead, opt for a cold compress — a washcloth or cloth cooled with cold water — or an ice pack. Apply this for about 10 to 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
She added, “Things like vinegar and baking soda probably won’t help and may just make things worse.”
Medication
Pop an antihistamine as soon as you’ve fallen victim to the winged insect’s venom.
These are available over the counter and are often used as hay fever tablets.
If you feel even more pain, don’t hesitate to take painkillers.
The NHS also recommends using a hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching.
You will start to feel better in a few hours unless you have an allergy.
Dr. Naheed said: ‘While a bee sting is often a minor inconvenience, they can cause temporary pain and redness and, in rare cases, lead to serious complications. That is why it is crucial to know how to respond quickly and appropriately
Signs it’s an allergy
“Most people assume that if they see a huge red swollen spot on their face due to a sting to the face, they are allergic, when in reality this kind of visible localized rash is normal.
“However, the problem arises if the infection spreads to other parts of your body.”
For example, if you’ve been stung in your forearm and notice that the rash has spread to your leg, it could be a sign that the infection has spread. Seek immediate medical attention.
Dr. Helen says if you’re a beekeeper or live with a partner, you’re at increased risk for a bee sting allergy, but she also emphasized that these aren’t genetic.
Reassuringly, Anaphylaxis UK explained that if you suffer from food allergies, your risk of a bee sting allergy does not increase.
How an allergy manifests itself
These reactions can last between 24 and 38 hours and Dr. Helen estimates that about 5 to 7% of the population suffers from bee sting allergies.
Research shows that your risk increases if you’ve been stung multiple times — or if you’re a beekeeper or live with a beekeeper.
Dr. Naheed said: ‘Being stung by a bee in the mouth or throat can be a particularly alarming experience given the sensitivity of these areas and the potential for severe swelling.
“If this swelling blocks the airway, it can lead to a critical situation with the potential to be fatal.
The primary goal in managing this type of emergency is to ensure that the airway remains clear and to reduce any swelling immediately and call 999.
How to prevent bee stings
As with many things, prevention is better than cure – if you can prevent bee stings in the first place, that’s ideal.
To do this, check your drinks or food for the presence of bees, wear shoes and avoid bright colors.
And it is important to note that all is not lost.
You can get a free referral from your GP for allergy therapy on the NHS.
This will desensitize you to the poisonous poison and let you relax during your next picnic.