Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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 Ask Dr. Needlman
What To Do For A Bee Sting | | | QUESTION | | | | What should I do for a bee sting? — Valerie in Kent, Ohio | | | ANSWER |
June 1, 2000 | | | For children who are not allergic, the single most important treatment for bee stings and other minor injuries is tender loving care. Also important is your confidence that the injury will really get better. Stings hurt, but mostly they are frightening. If your child sees that you are not worried, she will worry less herself, and that will help a lot.
Here are some basic first-aid tips: You can use an ice cube wrapped in a thin towel right away, to bring down swelling and numb the area. Acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands) can also help with pain and inflammation. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, and other brands) is an over-the-counter anti-histamine which helps with itch and swelling. It usually makes children drowsy, but be fore-warned that it can have the opposite effect on some children. It is generally safe, but check with your child's doctor if your child is taking other medication, or may have a special sensitivity to anti-histamines.
But if a child is allergic or there are multiple stings, a prescription medicine like prednisone, taken by mouth, can be helpful. You should expect the sting site to look better after a day or two, and nearly completely healed within several days. If the site seems to be getting more tender, red or swollen, then it is possible that it is becoming infected. If you are at all concerned, consult your child's health care provider.
If a child has difficulty breathing, becomes faint, or has swelling around the mouth after a sting, it may represent a very serious allergic reaction. If you see this, call 911 instantly, as prompt medical care can be life-saving.
— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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