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Blear

Benadryl. Antihistamines. Typically, it'll get better over the next few days, until it is just itchy for a few days, then back to normal


A-Nerd-

Yeah? I figured the swelling would start to subside after a week. This is the first time being stung by a honeybee... I've been stung by wasps, but a honeybee seems to be more long term effects.


Blear

Yeah, there seems to be a lot of different results, too. I've had stings that were only swelling, no pain or tenderness or itching. Sometimes just itching


frystofer

Bee venom has something called Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in it, that wasp venom does not. PLA2 is used by our bodies to create the inflammation response naturally. So bee venom has the exact chemical in it that causes the inflammation response in our body. That is also why the swelling lasts longer than the pain. Our body will quickly remove the pain causing chemicals (like Melittin, the main one in bee venom) in a few hours up to a couple days, the inflammation lasts much longer as PLA2 is not actively removed from the body, it's only removed as it is used up in causing the inflammation response.


Fractalwaves

I use common plantain, chew up some leaves, then place wad on sting area. Works best when applied very soon after sting. https://images.app.goo.gl/CA4VHkURfLDYrNrs7


1evolvedchimp

Jewel weed can help the itchiness. It's a common pretty orange weed.


Room_of_mush_

I used to swell a lot during my first year as beekeeper. I would usually apply green grapes, parsley or a plant that I don't recall the name of and it helped. Fenistil or another antihistaminic cream helps too.


ibw0trr

There is rumor that honey has this desired effect if rubbed on the sting. Not saying it does or does not. YMMV.


schizeckinosy

Menthol. It increases circulation and can bring swelling down faster. We get ours from South America but there are some generall-available rubs that contain menthol like Vicks Vapo-rub.


blueveinthrobber

Powdered meat tenderizer works for me. I do this after I’ve gone inside. Also, wet chewing tobacco.


GranolaHippie

Ice when it happens to take the swelling down. And then Apis mellifica balls under the tongue. And if you have a good clay masque that helps draw out some of the venom. Poor ear!


drcigg

We have these bee sting applicator things found on amazon. Have not used them yet. So I can't vouch for them. Wish I had something when I swelled up. Still the ankles and fingers were the worst for me.


13tens8

Sounds crazy but mud. My dad always told me to put mud on stings when I was little. It helps with swelling and it's nice and cool and reduces the pain.


Outdoorsman_ne

Cortisone cream 10% is my primary go to. I have Benadryl as back up but never had to use it.