Understanding and managing bee stings: Expert advice from Emplify Health by Gundersen pediatric allergist
Samantha Knox ... Submitted photo.
As warm weather brings more of us outdoors, encounters with bees become more common, leading to an increase in bee sting incidents. While most bee stings cause only minor discomfort, understanding how to respond effectively is crucial, especially for children and individuals with allergies.
Bee stings occur when a bee injects venom through its stinger into the skin, causing pain, redness and swelling. For most people, these symptoms are temporary and manageable at home. However, some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions requiring immediate medical attention.
Samantha Knox, MD, a pediatric allergist with Emplify Health by Gundersen, says awareness and preparedness are important.
“Bee stings can be more than just a painful nuisance, especially for those with known allergies. Recognizing the signs of a severe reaction and knowing how to respond can be lifesaving.”
Dr. Knox advises that parents and caregivers educate children about avoiding bees and to be vigilant during outdoor activities. She also highlights the significance of having an action plan for those with allergies, including carrying prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors.
To help manage bee stings effectively, Dr. Knox offers these essential tips:
• Remove the stinger, if present, promptly. Use a flat-edged object like a credit card to scrape out the stinger. Avoid using tweezers or digging into the sting site with your nails, which can introduce bacteria and increase the risk for infection.
• Clean the area and apply a cold compress. Wash the sting site with soap and water to prevent infection, then apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain.
• You may consider applying an over-the-counter anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone, and giving your child an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine, to help reduce itching.
• Monitor for allergic reactions. Watch for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or hives. Seek emergency medical care immediately if these occur.
If uncertain about the severity of a bee sting reaction, call the Emplify Health by Gundersen 24-hour nurse advisor line at 608-775-4454.
