Why can they sting?
A distinction must be made between aggression and defense. Bees attack people only if they feel threatened.
But it is important not only to know when and how bees bite. You must know how to behave around insects. Knowing the reason for their attack, you can avoid it. The main rule is to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. In most cases, the insect flies away.
The worst option is to wave your arms, trying to drive away the bee. If it sits directly on the body, do not wait for the bite, crush the insect or, even better, knock the insect down with a blow of your nail. This will prevent the major effects caused by the movement of venom from the poison sac into the wound. If a bee lands in your hair, crush it immediately. Don't try to get her.
Essential Information About Bee Stings
To understand how to act correctly, you need to know the following. The bee's sting is connected to a special reservoir in the bee's abdomen containing venom. When bitten, the serrated sting usually gets stuck in the skin and breaks off.
Often, along with the sting, a sac with poison attached to it remains, and the poison continues to enter the bloodstream even after direct contact with the bee has been interrupted. That is why it is necessary to remove the sting from the wound, do it quickly and very carefully, so as not to inject the poison from the sac into the bite site.
Bee venom has an acidic reaction (unlike wasp venom, which has an alkaline reaction), so alkalis - liquid soap, soap solution, baking soda solution - help neutralize it.
Composition of bee venom
Bee venom is secreted by special glands of the insect and is intended to protect against enemies. The poison is produced by insects consuming pollen. It tastes bitter and has a pungent odor that can be smelled by a bee sting.
Most of the composition of bee venom consists of protein substances, which are divided into enzymes and peptides. Enzymes provide sensitivity to venom enzymes. These protein substances are dangerous for allergy sufferers. Peptides, on the contrary, stimulate hormonal, protein, fat, mineral and water metabolism in the body.
Bee venom contains acids - hydrochloric and formic, which dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Composition of bee venom:
- phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and copper – 33.1%;
- carbon – 43.6%;
- hydrogen – 7.1%;
- phospholipids – 52%;
- glucose – 2%;
Benefits of bee venom
The beneficial properties of bee venom have been known for a long time. With the help of this natural remedy, many pathologies are treated, which is explained by the large number of useful components included in its composition:
- Apamin - regulates the functioning of the central nervous system.
- Hyaluronidase - promotes wound healing and eliminates adhesions.
- Phospholipase - prevents the formation of blood clots.
If there is no acute allergic reaction to bee venom, then the benefit is undoubted, and the consequences of the sting can be eliminated very quickly.
First aid for a bee sting
In folk medicine, it is believed that bee stings are good for health; there is a whole section of medicine - apitherapy, which is devoted to the treatment of various diseases with bee venom. However, a bee sting, in addition to being very painful, can cause an allergic reaction - which is why it is necessary to know how to provide first aid.
Providing first aid for a bee sting
So, after a person has felt a sharp burning pain from a bee sting, the following must be done:
- Carefully examine the bite site, which looks like a red spot (papule) raised above the skin - a sting should be visible in the center. If it is not there, two options are possible - either the sting is inside the wound, or the victim was stung by a wasp;
- The sting must be removed. This can be done with tweezers or fingernails. If the sting is in the wound, it should be squeezed out, and you should continue to squeeze until a drop of blood appears from the wound - this way you can remove most of the poison. You can use a regular sewing needle to remove the sting, but before use, the needle must be heated over a fire or treated with an antiseptic. The wound should also be disinfected;
- Treat the bite site with an antiseptic - any one you have on hand will do;
- Apply cold to the bite site. Any cold object will do, but it is important that it is clean, otherwise there is a risk of infection;
- Apply to the wound for 15-20 minutes a piece of bandage or cotton wool soaked in a soda solution (1 teaspoon of soda per glass of water), a compress with soda slurry (add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of soda and stir until it becomes pasty);
- The bitten area can be treated with a local antihistamine (anti-allergic) agent, for example Fenistil in gel form or Psilo-balm;
- Take an antihistamine orally. This first aid measure is necessary if the body’s reaction is too violent (the appearance of general symptoms, suffocation, skin rash, swelling, enlarged papule, etc.), if the victim is prone to allergies (without waiting for its symptoms), and also in children under 12 years of age.
Hierarchy of bees: ancestor Uliya
It is also recommended to give the victim plenty of fluids - water, sweet tea, compote, etc. in order to reduce the concentration of poison in the body and speed up its elimination.
As a rule, the listed actions are enough to relieve pain and prevent possible unpleasant consequences of a bite.
Signs of a bee sting
The bite of this insect is difficult to confuse with the bite of another insect, since the human body reacts instantly. Therefore, the characteristic signs of a bee sting are:
- At the point of the sting you can find a protruding bee sting. Due to the presence of serrations, the sting will stick out until it is pulled out of the body. The longer the sting remains in the human body, the more serious the consequences can be.
- After a bite, the area around the bite point immediately turns red and begins to swell. In this case, a strong sharp pain is felt.
- After some time, noticeable swelling appears, especially if the human body is very sensitive to insect venom. This is especially true for people prone to allergic reactions. If a person is not helped in time, angioedema may develop. At the same time, the mucous membranes swell and the person begins to choke. Therefore, the consequences can be very serious.
- Severe painful sensations. After being stung, the bee dies, but leaves a sting in the human body, which causes severe pain. The longer it stays in the body, the more severe the consequences, since the action of the poison leads to toxic poisoning of the body, as well as pain. If the sting is pulled out, the pain weakens, but the poison that has entered the body continues to act.
What to do if bitten by a wasp or bee || good advice
Why remove the sting and how to remove it
The little worker bee has an individual defense mechanism. It includes a stinging “needle” and associated venom glands. In a calm state, the tip is hidden in its body. When in danger, it pierces the enemy.
If the opponent is another insect, then such a “duel will not be fatal for the honey miner. During interaction with animals and humans, its small barbs pierce the victim. The bee escapes, leaving part of the glands at the opposite end of the “weapon”, dying in the process.
Removing the sting from the skin
The longer the “poisonous defense instrument” is under the skin, the deeper it penetrates, the more the amount of poison entering directly into the blood increases. Troubles are also increased by the risk of inflammation of the bite site due to the presence of a foreign body in the skin.
The sting has acquired a certain appearance and functionality during evolution. In its place, “prehistoric” bees had a tube through which they laid eggs.
When medical help is needed
2% of people have an allergic reaction to bee stings. This means that under certain conditions, bee venom entering their body can cause a severe reaction, even death. In this case, first aid measures are not enough and emergency medical care cannot be avoided. Bites to some particularly vulnerable areas of the body are also particularly dangerous.
Urgent medical attention is required in the following situations:
- Multiple bites. In this case, a high dose of bee venom can lead to the most severe consequences, including respiratory arrest;
- Bites in the neck, mouth, eyes. In the first two cases, suffocation is possible due to swelling of the tissues of the upper respiratory tract; bee stings in the eye area can cause severe inflammation;
- Having an allergic reaction to the bite. The following symptoms should alert you: the appearance of shortness of breath, soreness and/or spasms in the throat, a feeling of constriction in the chest, as well as massive swelling, rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness.
In all of these cases, you should call an ambulance, or take the victim to the hospital yourself as soon as possible. You should also consult a doctor if pain, swelling and redness at the site of the bite do not decrease within three days.
First aid and treatment
The first thing to do after being stung by a bee is to remove the sting. This will protect the body from spreading the poison. It is necessary to treat the bite site in the following sequence:
- Rinse the damaged area.
- Lubricate with an antiseptic (alcohol, iodine, brilliant green).
- Apply a cold compress.
- At the first sign of allergy, take medicine (Claritin, Citrine, Suprastin, Diazolin).
- Apply hydrocortisone ointment or cream.
If there is a risk of an allergic reaction and the development of anaphylactic shock, it is better to protect yourself by injecting a drug with adrenaline (Twinject, Epipen). If the affected area is on an arm or leg, you need to apply a tight bandage above the bite site. This will prevent the spread of poisons throughout the body and will give time to get home or take the victim to the hospital. Only a doctor can correctly apply antiallergic drugs and relieve swelling after a bee sting. It must be remembered that the tourniquet should not be applied for a long period (more than 30 minutes).
Bite in the eye
A bite to the eye is especially dangerous. In this case, the victim should be immediately taken to a medical facility. No independent methods can be used to remove the sting from the eye. You can apply cold to the eyelid and urgently call an ambulance. Specialists will help you cope with a dangerous situation and avoid serious consequences.
During the rehabilitation period, the following recommendations must be followed:
- Do not comb the sore spot;
- It is not recommended to drink alcohol (since the liver, removing toxins, is already under load);
- you need to drink more water.
Allergy to bee sting
Signs
People allergic to bees should exercise caution and seek immediate medical attention if signs of an allergy occur. A severe allergy to a bee sting manifests itself:
- in the form of redness on the body and at the site of the bite. Redness is accompanied by itching, symptoms resemble urticaria;
- increased heart rate;
- headache, pain in joints and lower back;
- swelling of the face;
- increased temperature;
- chills;
- nausea and vomiting;
- shortness of breath and difficulty breathing;
- convulsions and loss of consciousness.
After a bee sting, allergy symptoms may appear within 1-3 days.
How long can a tumor last?
On the second day after the bite, with high-quality treatment, the size of the tumor decreases, swelling becomes less, and pain is eliminated. However, if a severe allergic reaction is present, symptoms may persist for a week.
What is the best way to smear the tumor?
If a person who has been bitten by a bee feels very itchy, it is recommended to anoint the bite site with special ointments or gels that will help relieve swelling and an allergic reaction. What to apply to a bee sting? There are many ointments that can relieve such an unpleasant sensation as itching:
If the affected area has already begun to itch, this means that an allergic reaction has begun. Therefore, in addition to ointments that are applied to the bite site, the victim must take antihistamines in tablets or drops.
First aid for severe allergies: urgent actions
A bee can cause particular harm to a person who is allergic to stings. In this case, you should immediately call emergency help. Before her arrival you must:
- remove the sting;
- treat the wound with an antiseptic and apply a cold compress;
- give a double dose of antihistamine.
How to help an allergy sufferer and a child
If a child is injured by a bee, the first aid in this case is to calm him down. Especially if this happens for the first time, it can be very frightening for the baby. Try to remove the sting by scraping the side with your fingernail, then gently squeeze the venom out of the wound.
Beekeeping: amount of honey from one hive
Cool the affected area using one of the special gels available.
If a child has suffered many bites, more venom may enter their body. In this case, remove clothing from the affected area and wrap it in a damp, cool sheet. Contact your doctor immediately.
In case of an allergic reaction, the use of an antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Claritin is recommended.
Children after a bee sting
People who have a severe reaction and are at risk of anaphylactic shock should always have the injection prescribed by their doctor with them. It should be applied immediately after a bee sting into a muscle. Most often this is an injection containing a dose of adrenaline.
What to do if stung by a bee?
If the skin is damaged, first aid must be provided to the victim. Local manipulation is carried out, the sting is removed, and the wound is treated with special disinfection solutions. Swelling occurs within 2-3 hours, so it is recommended to prepare antihistamines in advance. They relieve swelling and remove redness before an allergic reaction occurs after a bee sting.
First aid
It is necessary to prepare the following tools and preparations:
- tweezers, needle for removing the sting;
- alcohol, iodine or hydrogen peroxide to treat the bee sting area;
- furatsilin solution - wipe the sting site with it and disinfect the wound;
- antihistamines will help reduce the risk of allergies - Suprastin, Claritin, Erius or Zodak .
Before using medications, you should read the instructions. The dosage may be indicated taking into account the age of the person. It is advisable to give children ½ tablet of Suprastin diluted in water.
Relieving swelling
If, after being stung, the bite site begins to turn red and swell, it means swelling of the soft tissues is evident. The following steps will help you remove it:
- Wash the wound and remove any remaining poison by pressing on the side areas around the bite site.
- Use tweezers to remove the sting if it has not been removed. Then rinse and treat the affected area with a solution or disinfectant.
- Apply a cold compress to the bite site for 15-20 minutes.
- Take an antihistamine to prevent the development of allergies.
Within an hour, tissue swelling should subside. However, in children it can manifest itself in a sharp form and persist for several hours. Drinking plenty of fluids is recommended. Avoid active activities and take a horizontal position. Give the children hot sweet tea.
Allergic reaction
When reflux occurs, a person must be taken to an emergency hospital. This is also necessary when a bee stings on mucous membranes - tongue, face (near the nose or eye), lips. In case of multiple attacks, immediately call an ambulance and apply a salt compress if possible.
For allergy sufferers, a tourniquet is applied above the bite site to prevent the venom from spreading through the circulatory system. To restore pressure, give 20 drops of cordiamine.
Medicines for bee stings
Traditional medicine offers many drugs to help cope with the consequences of bee stings. Among them are the following:
Fenistil
Since a bee sting can cause a severe allergic reaction, you should immediately take any medications that can block the manifestation of allergies.
Fenistil is a drug of the latest generation, which not only prevents the development of an allergic reaction, but also relieves inflammation, itching, redness, and swelling. This medicine has some disadvantages. For example, it has a sedative effect on the central nervous system.
Fenistil is a colorless and odorless product, so not only adults, but also children can use it without any problems. It is quickly and completely processed in the human body.
Among the side effects are the following:
- Headache;
- Drowsiness;
- Decreased blood pressure;
- Skin rashes, etc.
Zyrtec
Available in the form of drops and tablets. It is eliminated from the body very quickly, and accordingly, it quickly affects human organs and systems. Can be taken by children over 6 months in the form of drops.
Tablet forms are allowed for use from the age of 6 years. Compared to the previous drug, Zyrtec has more contraindications and side effects. But they appear quite rarely, and it acts faster.
Tsetrin
A strong drug that is common for stings of wasps, bees, bumblebees and other insects. Begins to act within 15 minutes after application. The effect lasts for 3 days from the moment of administration.
It can be used for a long time, as it does not affect the central nervous system. It can be taken both before and after meals. Available in drops, tablets and baby syrup. If a severe allergic reaction develops, Cetrin can be taken for two weeks. Side effects are extremely rare.
A bee sting is quite painful for both children and adults. But, knowing the basic rules of first aid, you can help avoid unpleasant consequences for yourself, your children and your friends.
Important to remember! Bees, unlike wasps, leave a sting at the site of the bite. This sting must be urgently removed.
The bee bites. Bee sting: benefit or harm, symptoms, treatment, folk remedies
Sooner or later, a child is faced with a problem such as an insect bite. One of the most unpleasant is a bee sting. As a rule, a bee sting is accompanied by discomfort and often leads to allergies. In some cases, people may develop severe allergic reactions that can be fatal. This problem has a clear medical concept - “insect allergy”.
Insect allergies are allergic reactions that occur when bitten by insects. This term, accordingly, also includes a bee sting. In addition to bees, there are also insects closely related to them that can cause allergic reactions in children and adults. These include: bumblebees, wasps, hornets. Before considering the main clinical manifestations of a bee sting, it is necessary to understand in more detail the main causative factor in the development of allergies - bee venom .
Bee venom
Bee venom is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that is produced by the glands of the honey bee. The poison consists of various substances that can be grouped into three main groups: enzymes, toxic polypeptides, biogenic amines. Quite complex concepts for people who do not have a medical or biochemical education. For ease of understanding, we will list only the main substances from these groups, and also indicate the main allergens and causative factors of acute allergic reactions.
Among the enzymes it is worth noting:
- Hyaluronidase.
- Phospholipase A2.
- Phosphatase.
Among toxic polypeptides, special attention is paid to:
- Melitin . This substance is the basis of the poison. Makes up about half of all poison.
- Apamin.
- MCD peptide.
- Sekapin.
- Tertiapine.
Main biogenic amines:
- Histamine.
- Dopamine.
- Norepinephrine.
There are other poisonous substances, but the main ones are the ones listed above. Thus, the main pathological factor in bee venom is melitin.
The main pathological factor in bee venom is melitin.
When do bees sting?
Bees usually do not sting without provocation. They use their sting only when attacking their “enemy”. Factors leading to a bee attack:
- If you are a threat to their hive. Mechanical actions near the hive can provoke bees into self-defense.
- Strong odors. Particular attention is paid to perfumes. No exception is unpleasant odors - the smell of sweat. It can also provoke bees to attack.
- Color. Bees prefer a light, white color. They perceive the color black negatively.
- The smell of smoke. This also applies to tobacco smoke. Therefore, smoking near bees is not recommended.
- Bee sting. In fact, the bee sting itself is a contributing factor to subsequent bee attacks. During a bite, they secrete special substances that are captured by their fellows and recognized as a signal to attack.
Folk remedies for bee stings
- Parsley – has anti-inflammatory properties. Scald the parsley leaves with boiling water and place them in a glass of boiling water for five minutes. Then apply warm leaves to the bite area.
- Aloe – reduces swelling and itching, relieves redness. Using compresses with aloe decoction, or applying aloe leaves to the bite site, the wound will heal faster.
- Onion – has bactericidal properties, relieves redness and reduces swelling. Apply compresses with onion juice, or use half an onion that releases juice. Discomfort from using a folk remedy for bee stings is caused by a burning sensation and the pungent odor of onions.
- Chilled olive oil – relieves redness and reduces irritation from a bee sting. Lubricate the bite area with a small amount of oil.
- Plantain – has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. The action of plantain is effective with parsley leaves placed under it.
Folk remedies for treating a bite
- Aspirin and activated carbon are excellent absorbents of various poisons. When combined with aspirin, it can treat pain and itching. Dissolve one tablet in a glass of water and apply cotton wool soaked in this solution to the desired location.
- Parsley – this plant produces a good anti-inflammatory effect and is beneficial. Apply parsley leaves brewed in boiling water or crushed to the stung hand, leg, etc. The plant treats redness, swelling and pain. You can add plantain leaves to parsley, which help speed up wound healing.
- Olive oil – can relieve redness and irritation. Unsaturated fatty acids in the oil have a regenerating and nourishing effect on the skin.
- Onion juice contains substances that bind the components of bee venom. Helps relieve pain, redness and reduce swelling.
- Aloe – has numerous medicinal properties. The diluted juice of the plant is used as a compress. Aloe treats itching, hives, swelling.
Never apply soil when bitten, as traditional medicine advises! This will not relieve pain and may lead to infection.
Consequences of a bee sting
After a person is stung by a bee, swelling appears. With proper first aid and further treatment at home, it lasts about 1–5 days. It all depends on the victim’s body. In children, swelling persists for a longer period. Other manifestations of the body’s normal reaction to a bee sting:
- hives;
- burning, pinching, itching in the affected area;
- rash and redness around the bite.
If the swelling does not subside within 7 days or more, you should consult a doctor. The same applies to a severe allergic reaction, which is manifested by the following symptoms:
- tremor of the limbs;
- body aches;
- lacrimation;
- cough;
- shortness of breath;
- difficulty breathing;
- bronchospasm;
- increased heart rate;
- increased sweating;
- nausea, vomiting;
- headache;
- dizziness.
Bite symptoms
Redness and swelling
The body's initial reaction to a bite manifests itself in the following conditions:
- pain syndrome;
- severe itching;
- redness, swelling of the bite site.
An allergic reaction to a bee sting manifests itself in other symptoms:
- rash (urticaria);
- runny nose and tears;
- allergic cough;
- dizziness;
- nausea.
Further consequences depend on the number of bites. Conditions that indicate mortal danger:
- suffocation;
- severe swelling of the face, neck, and respiratory tract (Quincke's edema);
- increased body temperature;
- convulsions;
- disturbed heart rhythm.
These symptoms can appear within a couple of minutes or after a few hours. Signs of anaphylactic shock:
- a sharp drop in pressure;
- thready pulse;
- loss of consciousness.
This condition occurs after multiple bites, and is especially dangerous for children and people with heart disease.
Before keeping bees, you need to know your health status, and it is better to conduct a medical diagnosis for the presence or absence of allergic symptoms to bee venom.
The purpose of such diagnostics includes 2 tests:
- Skin test.
- Measuring the level of IgE (specific antibodies).
How to prevent yourself from being bitten
There are several simple rules that will help prevent a bee attack:
- If an insect flies too close, you should not drive it away with your hands. You need to stand still and not twitch until the bee flies away;
- try not to be afraid, since these insects, according to some scientists, feel when adrenaline is produced;
- do not wear bright clothes that may attract bees that are accustomed to identifying flowers in this way;
- avoid odorous deodorants and perfumes that attract insects;
- do not walk barefoot on the grass.
To prevent an incident, you need to remain calm and not panic when you see a bee. After all, these insects never attack first.
The most important rule is to under no circumstances wave a rolled-up newspaper or fly swatter at a bee if it has flown indoors. You just need to open all the windows and wait for the insect to fly away. Bee family
Bee sting to head, neck, arm
A bite to the head or neck is much more dangerous than a bite to the arm or leg, for example. So, if an individual reacts normally to bee venom, then in this situation the degree of allergization increases.
Exacerbation of symptoms is due to the presence of a large number of blood vessels, including large ones, lymph nodes, nerve endings and vital points. As a result of a sting in the neck or head, severe weakness, rapid heartbeat and breathing, development of fever, urticaria, neuritis, convulsions and even Quincke's edema are possible.
Seek specialized medical help immediately.
Benefits of a bee sting
Treatment with bee venom has been known since the time of Hippocrates - 460-377 BC. In 1864, Professor Lukosmsky M.I. published methods of treating rheumatism and neuralgia with bee stings.
In Europe in 1914, pediatrician professor at the University of Paris R. Langer conducted research on bee venom and published the first positive results of treating rheumatism with bee venom. The treatment method is called apitherapy. In the USA, an entire section in medicine was dedicated to apitherapy, thanks to which the first specialists in the field appeared.
Another benefit of bee venom lies in its antiseptic properties. In 1922, the scientist Physicalis discovered the antiseptic property of bee venom to 17 types of bacteria.
Bee venom getting into the eye
A bite to the eyelid, at first glance, does not threaten anything other than swelling. The eye may become swollen. The consequence can be severe diseases of the eye apparatus, which cause loss of vision.
These include inflammation of the eyelids, mucous membranes, purulent inflammation of the eye tissues, cataracts and glaucoma.
Swelling of the eye when bitten
If such a dangerous situation arises, you cannot hesitate, use traditional methods and hope that “it will go away on its own.”
Treatment and observation by a professional ophthalmologist.
How to relieve swelling and swelling
A bite to other parts of the body is not so dangerous, but the consequences are purely individual. In addition to the harm that bee stings in the facial area entail, it also causes a number of cosmetic problems.
Severe swelling of the lip, nose, cheek, chin, and ear occurs with a corresponding “wound.” Trouble forces you to postpone meetings and events. The situation with the female gender is especially painful.
On average, the swelling lasts 2-3 days. Its reduction entails unpleasant itching, as when healing any other wound.
Timely use of an appropriate cold compress helps , alternate use of several local antipyretics (for example, alternating alcohol lotions with soda), ice, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory folk remedies (for example, herbal tea) reduces the degree of swelling and speeds up recovery.
Complications from a bee sting
Timely provision of correct first aid and going to the hospital can prevent serious consequences from a bee sting:
- If severe allergy symptoms occur, especially with bee stings on the neck, eyes, face, or ear, immediately call an ambulance or take the victim to the hospital.
- If previous bee stings have caused an allergy, give the victim an allergy medication and take him to the hospital.
- If there are more than 10 bee stings on the victim’s body, call an ambulance immediately.
- If signs of infection appear at the site of the bite: pain intensifies, body temperature rises, call an ambulance and give the victim plenty of fluids.
Treating the consequences
The reaction to the spread of toxic substances depends on sensitivity to the poison. Reactions in the form of edema, urticaria, and anaphylactic shock are possible. The allergic reaction of the stung person is individual in nature. Unpredictability of manifestations poses a serious risk.
Edema
How to relieve swelling after a bee sting, preventing tumor formation? Disinfecting the bite site and applying cold will reduce swelling or eliminate it completely. Treatment is carried out with the use of antihistamines in the form of tablets, ointments or injection solutions.
Allergy
There are three degrees of severity of bee venom allergy:
- Urticaria, accompanied by chills and fever.
- Swelling of the mucous membranes, irregular heartbeat, intestinal pain.
- A severe allergic reaction with the development of anaphylactic shock, which results in death.
Allergy sufferers should have a syringe with adrenaline solution with them. This will protect you from the consequences of a single bite. If there are multiple bites, seek medical help immediately.
Medicines that specifically block histamine receptors effectively combat allergic consequences. Adults can take tablets; for children they are available in the form of drops. Injections are administered intramuscularly by qualified personnel.
Tumor
How to remove swelling after a bee sting, reducing discomfort? The tumor is caused by the response of the immune system to toxic substances and enzymes of the insect. The inflammatory process promotes the accumulation of lymph in soft tissues.
The condition lasts for several days. As the tumor decreases, an itching sensation appears. Apply cold and a local antipyretic, ice and an anti-inflammatory folk remedy.
What not to do when helping with a bee sting
It is widely believed that bee venom is easily neutralized by alcohol taken orally, so you can often find advice to drink 30-50 g of vodka or cognac if you are stung by a bee. For obvious reasons, this “treatment” is not suitable for children, however, adults should not do it either. The fact is that alcohol does not remove or neutralize toxins, but, on the contrary, facilitates their penetration into the body and complicates their elimination.
Also, when providing first aid, you do not need to do the following:
- Rub the bite site and press on it (with the exception of squeezing the poison out of the wound, i.e. pressing in a special way);
- Apply earth, clay to the wound, wash and cool it with river, lake water or water from puddles. This is likely to lead to infection, including tetanus;
- Kill a bee. Firstly, a bee left without a sting dies itself. Secondly, if it is crushed, special volatile substances are released that notify nearby bees of danger. This can attract a lot of other bees towards you, angry and ready to attack.
The benefits of bee stinging. How does it help?
The substance called bee venom has certain benefits and is represented by the composition of a large number of elements:
- proteins;
- peptides;
- amines;
- lipids;
- amino acids;
- pheromones;
- carbohydrates;
- fats;
- mineral components.
Treatment with bees
The development of allergies is influenced by certain proteins (hyaluronidase and phospholipase), amines (histamine), and peptides (melityn). At the same time, these components, along with the others, have a beneficial effect on the human body. Each of them has different properties.