How do I treat my child's bee sting?

Although a bee sting can be painful, it is usually fairly harmless.

Because a bee's stinger will continue to pump venom into the skin, the first thing you want to do is remove the stinger. There will be a small black dot in the center of the area that is red. You should try to scrape the dot off with your fingernail. Never squeeze the stinger with your fingers or tweezers. Doing so may release more venom.

After removing stinger, clean the skin with soap and water. An ice pack held on the area for about 15 minutes will ease the pain and minimize the swelling. Make sure that the ice pack is covered in a cloth so it does not burn your toddler’s skin.

You can also use a mixture of baking soda and water, stirred into a paste. Rub the paste onto the bite and let it dry. The baking soda will help draw out the venom and soothe the skin.

The pain from a bee sting will begin to subside quickly and will normally be gone in a couple of hours. If your toddler is in pain, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen and apply icepacks. If the swelling warrants it, use an over-the-counter children's antihistamine. This will also keep your child from scratching the area.

More questions

When does a cut need stitches?

If a cut is too severe to treat at home then it is important to take your child to A&E or to your GP as stitches may be required. Go straight to the A&E if the cut is to an artery or if the bleeding will not stop.

When should I call a doctor for a wound?

The wound should heal itself in a few days. If the wound is painful, you can take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

What is the best way to treat my child's cut or scrape?

Generally speaking, most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home.

How can I treat a minor burn?

There are lots of different dressings for minor burns and scalds. There is no particular dressing that works better than others, the important thing is to keep your burn clean and covered with a dressing.

How can I tell if a burn is serious and needs medical care?

The severity of a burn is determined by a healthcare professional based on how badly the skin is damaged.

What should I do if my child gets burned?

A child’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than that of an adult so a burn can be more serious.