Bee stings

Bee stings

Bee stings Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board Highlights What should I do if a bee or wasp stings my child? Can bee stings cause dangerous allergic reactions? Are bee stings dangerous if my child's not allergic? What's the best way to avoid insect stings? What should I do if a bee or wasp stings my child?A bee's stinger works like an automatic pump the longer it stays in, the more venom it releases so get it out as quickly as you can. Look for a little black dot in the center of a reddened area and scrape it off with a fingernail or credit card. Then apply an ice pack for 15 minutes or so to minimize swelling and relieve pain. (If you don't have an ice pack, grab a package of frozen vegetables or drop a few ice cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap whatever you're going to use in a washcloth so it doesn't touch your child's skin directly.)You may want to apply a paste of baking soda and water to the area, to soothe it and draw out some of the venom. (Simply dab it on, let it dry, and rinse it off.)Luckily, the pain usually begins to go away after a few hours, although the swelling may increase for another day or two. In the meantime, you may want to give your child the appropriate dose of acetaminophen to ease his discomfort. Continue to apply icepacks, and, if your child is still really uncomfortable, you can try an over-the-counter children's antihistamine to help relieve any itching and swelling. Bee sting Dr P. Marazzi / Photo Researchers, Inc Can bee stings cause dangerous allergic reactions?On rare occasions, a child will have a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting. This is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, and it can be deadly. Allergy shots (or venom immunotherapy) have been shown to reduce the risk of serious reactions in children who are allergic to stings. It's designed for use with children between 33 and 66 pounds, and it's available by prescription. Together you'll want to develop an action plan to follow in the event of a reaction. And you'll want to make sure that everyone who is ever in charge of caring for your child understands the plan fully. 1 2 Previous Next Show All
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.