My child was stung by a bee. What do I do?

August 31, 2012

Michael Ficenec, MD,

A. Your child may fuss over a bee sting, but most stings don’t have serious consequences. Bee sting reactions can vary, but most people will get a red bump at the site and a small, white spot that shows where the stinger penetrated the skin. Sharp pain and slight swelling are also common reactions. Most bee stings can be treated at home. Carefully remove the stinger as soon as possible, using a pair of tweezers or scraping the area with your fingernail. Remove the stinger right away to prevent more venom from being released from the venom sac. Once the stinger is removed, wash the area with soap and water, and apply a cold compress. “If your child is allergic to bees or gets stung by several bees at once, you may need to visit the emergency room,” says Michael Ficenec, MD, at South Lake Pediatrics.