First aid: bee stings and bites
Get the stinger out, cool it, watch breathing.
Call 911 if
- Trouble breathing or swallowing, or a hoarse voice
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat
- Dizziness or fainting. Use an epinephrine auto-injector if one is prescribed
What to do
- Scrape the stinger out sideways with a fingernail or card.
- Wash with soap and water.
- Hold a cold pack on it for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Hydrocortisone can help the itch. For a child under 2, ask a nurse or doctor first.
See a doctor or urgent care if
- Swelling spreads past the joint or keeps growing for 2 days
- Signs of infection: warmth, red streaks, pus
In every Nurse in a Box kit: cold packs, hydrocortisone 1% packets and antiseptic wipes, with a registered nurse a tap away if you're not sure what to do.
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General first aid information based on guidance from the American Red Cross, Mayo Clinic, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. It isn't medical advice and doesn't replace care from a nurse or doctor.