DEFINITION

The bee's sting is a defensive weapon used when anyone threatens the hive or the bee's work.

DESCRIPTION

The honeybee is not a hunter/killer, unlike wasps and hornets. Therefore, its sting can only be used once in a defensive mode. The sting is located at the tail end and because the bee dies when the sting is used, it is a weapon of last resort.

CAUSE

People most often get stung walking through a garden or walking barefoot on lawns and beekeepers are regularly stung.

The sting is made up of three shafts, two of which are barbed. When injected into the victim, the shafts move back and forth against each other, driving the sting deeper through the skin and pumping more venom into the victim. The venom is contained in a white 'bag' that comes away, while the sting remains in the skin.

SYMPTOMS

Pain (intense), redness and swelling are normal reactions to a bee's sting. A small pimple-like wound may occur at the sting point and this can be treated with a dab of antiseptic cream or solution. The skin in the immediate area may become red, pale or blotchy. The pale and blotchy colouring will gradually be replaced by redness or pink as the swelling increases. The swelling may last for up to three days, during which time the area will be moderately painful when moved or touched and may become itchy.

Serious symptoms may include joint pains, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, weakness and severe swelling. People experiencing these symptoms should be treated immediately. In very rare cases, the person stung may go into anaphylactic shock and will require CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until emergency medical assistance is obtained.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

• Seek medical assistance immediately if severe symptoms occur.
• Do not pick or pull at a bee sting, as this will cause more venom to be injected.
• Break the sting off at skin level as soon as possible by scraping with any sort of dull blade. Use a firm twig or anything with a dull edge. Use your fingernail only as a last resort.
• Wash the area with clean, cool water.
• Never use saliva or put your mouth near the area of the sting.
• Your Pharmacist may recommend an antihistamine preparation.
• Application of ice to the sting site may provide some mild relief. Ice may be applied for 20 minutes once every hour as needed. Cloth should be placed between the ice and skin to avoid freezing the skin. Ice/cold packs are available from your Pharmacy

CAUTIONS

• Stings to the nose, mouth or throat can lead to damaged eyesight or blocked airways and should be treated immediately.

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