Bee sting

FIRST ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IF YOU HAVE BEEN STUNG

During the melliferous season, bees are very insensitive to the activity in the vicinity of the hive. As soon as the external reserves become more scarce, their response may differ slightly, the number of remaining bees in the hive is more important and the hive as a whole is more sensitive to attacks that can occur from the outside.
The guards present in the entrance of the hive, watch over the hive, with their misson being to protect the hive, they are vigilant against predators and thieves of all kind. Their only weapon is their sting.
Bees use flight paths that you may walk through as you approach the hive. The bees will not sting you if you inadvertently encounter one and if you stay still without any sudden movements, they will just continue with their daily work.

PRECAUTIONS NEEDED

A large thick woollen jumper and long hair represents a dangerous trap for bees, therefore a beekeeeper's suit must be worn when you approach the hive and while you are handling the hive.
Your approach to the hive should always be done from behind the hive, to avoid a bee's flight path.

WHAT IS A STING?

To defend itself from an aggressor, a bee will arch its abdomen and will penetrate the aggressor's skin due to its sting. The difference between a bee's sting with that of a wasp is the shape. The sting of a bee is bristly while that of a wasp is smooth, so when a bee stings, its sting remains stuck in the aggressor's skin and the bee's abdomen is ripped off, unlike a wasp. From as soon as the bee has stung and during the first minute, it is estimated that 90% of the venom is spreading. The venom contains melittin which attacks cells, as well as histamines which may provoke an allergic reaction.

FIRST SYMPTOMS

The pain felt first is acute and is followed by other symptoms, such as redness, swelling, warmth and itchiness. If these symptoms stay localised there is no need to worry, for the pain will quickly fade and the symptoms will disappear in a period of one to three days. If you have been stung several times, those symptoms will be more persistant!

ACTIONS REQUIRED AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN STUNG (BEES OR WASPS)

1. Identify the insect which you have been stung by (bees leave their sting in your skin).

2. Put the tip of a burning cigarette at 1 or 2cm from the point of injection to maintain a temperature of 60°C for a few minutes.

3. Remove the dart with the help of an anti-venom pump. Avoid using tweezers or fingers to remove the dart for you will push all the remaining venom into your skin. Pass a knife blade flat on your skin and consequently lead the sting out of your skin.

4. Disinfect and apply a cortisone ointment.

5. Give an antihistamine.

6. Monitor, and if in any doubt, consult your local GP.

7. An oral corticosteroid may be useful in case of a large localised reaction the following day.

8. If the following symptoms appear (generalised urticaria, respiratory difficulty, fatigue, anxiety etc.), call the emergency services. In any case, and when in doubt, we strongly advise you to consult a doctor.

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CONTENTS OF A FIRST AID KIT

The minimum composition of first aid kit should include: cigarettes and matches, good quality tweezers, tube of topical corticosteroid, an oral antihistamine H1, oral corticosteroid, disinfectant, small plasters and a knife to extract the sting.
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Glossary

Warmth

Many venoms are thermolabile, meaning they are destroyed by heat. If you apply ice you will, in fact, prolong the action of the venom. This is why you should apply a source of heat, the classic solution being a cigarette.

Antihistamines

These are medications against allergies.
In case of itchiness, you should use sedating antihistamines, those used to relieve itching in chicken pox.

For example:
Polaramine or even better, Atarax (1 teaspoon per 5 kg of weight, divided into 2 to 3 daily doses. For example, for a child who weighs 15 kg = 1 teaspoon 3 times per day).
In the absence of itching, you can use more modern antihistamines but which are less sedative (Clarityne, Zyrtec).

Dermocorticoid

Cortisone Ointment (for any insect bite)
Onctose hydrocortisone: also contains some antihistamines and an anesthetic.
Tridesonit, Locapred, Locoïd etc.. if you have some.

Oral Corticosteroid

Celestène drops: give 16 drops per kg in 1 go
Solupred 20 mg : 1 to 2 mg/kg in 1 go (not to exceed 60 mg)

Disinfectant

Chlorhexidine based antiseptic: Plurexid, Diaseptyl, Cytéal, Eludril

The information provided above shall in no case have a value of medical diagnosis, and is only advisory information that cannot engage the author. If desired, the company Apiterra is at your disposal to provide you with a first aid kit.
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This first aid kit contains only the basic minimum of equipment which does not require a prescription: anti-venom pump, soothing gel, antiseptic wipes, gauze, splinter forceps, gel hand cleaner and scissors.