What to do When Your Child is Stung by a Bee

My four-year old was stung by a bee last week during preschool. It was my first "mom" bee sting, so it was somewhat of a learning curve for me. Here's what to do if your child gets stung by a bee:

1. Remove the stinger and wash the area with soap and water.
2. Apply an ice pack (or frozen vegetable bag) for 15 minutes to help reduce the swelling.
3. If it is your child's first bee sting, call your pediatrician if you are in the least bit concerned.

To reduce pain, you can:
1. Apply an insect bite swab such as Sting-Kill (you can do this before applying the ice pack).
2. Mix baking soda and water to form a paste and apply.
3. Give your child the appropriate dose of acetaminophen to relieve discomfort.

What to look for in case your child has an allergic reaction:
-- Rash over many parts of his body
-- Shortness of breath and tightness in his chest
-- Wheezing
-- Dizziness
-- Swollen tongue, hands or face
-- Weakness
-- Unconsciousness
These will occur within minutes to hours following the bee sting. Call 911 or your pediatrician immediately.

Note: If your child is stung MULTIPLE times, this can be serious even if they do not have an allergy. Contact your pediatrician immediately or take your child to the hospital at once.

Lastly, keep an eye on the bee sting. If the swelling persists longer than two days or increases or spreads past the area, this is a concern. If you see reddish streaks, yellowish fluid or the area becoming redder, this could mean an infection. Again, contact your pediatrician immediately.

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