Last Updated on November 5, 2023
When bees are present nearby, there is always a small chance of experiencing irritation, germs, or even a powerful sting from them.
A bee sting is not only painful but can also leave the affected area itching!
If you have had this experience and are now dealing with bee sting itching, worries not as in this blog post we’ll learn how to stop bee stings from itching as luckily it is possible cure them with the best practices.
Let’s dive in!
Bee Sting Itching: How To Stop A Bee Sting From Itching?
Itching is a common reaction after a bee sting, caused by the venom injected into your skin during the sting. Further, rubbing and scratching your skin adds up redness and itchiness to the skin.
Here are some natural ways to stop itchiness from skin after a bee sting. Follow these steps carefully, and you should find an effective solution.
Ice remedy
A cold compress with ice effectively reduces the itchiness. It also compresses the blood vessels and reduces inflammation.
- Wrap a piece of cloth within an ice pack.
- Apply it to the stinging area.
- Allow the cloth to be applied for a few minutes.
- Repeat the remedy if needed.
- Make sure the cool sensation is felt on the sting area.
- Do not apply the ice directly, or it may damage the skin.
Essential oils
Essential oils having antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties may help relieve bee sting complications.
Among them are the following:
- Tea tree oil
- Peppermint oil
- Rosemary oil
- Lavender oil
- Thyme oil
- Witch hazel
Before using essential oil to your skin, mix it with a neutral carrier oil, such as olive oil. For every four or five drops of carrier oil, add one drop of essential oil.
That helps create a diluted solution that is safe to apply to the skin.
Massage the stinging region gently with the diluted oil.
If necessary, repeat the remedy every few hours.
Aloe Vera gel
Aloe Vera gel contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are effective against skin itchiness.
Take half a teaspoon of fresh gel and apply it directly to the affected area. Massage the skin gently in circular movements.
It is best to reuse the gel after every few hours.
It is advisable to use fresh aloe vera gel. However, if purchasing fresh gel is not possible, you might utilize product-based gel as a backup.
Calamine lotion
Calamine lotion can also be used to fight itchy skin. It even helps reduce pain caused by a sting from a bee or wasp.
Take a small quantity of calamine oil on your finger and apply it to the affected skin.
Honey
Honey is a natural combination of many anti-inflammatory properties. The antibacterial agents also help prevent infection and boost healing.
Apply a little honey to the sting area. Make sure to do this inside the home; otherwise, the smell may attract the bees towards you.
Baking soda
It is said that baking soda makes the bee venom ineffective. However, there is no conclusive evidence that baking soda can help reduce the difficulties of a bee sting.
Because it is strongly alkaline, baking soda is excellent against damaged skin. Plus, it has antibacterial properties, which is all you need on your skin after a bee sting.
Bee sting itchy after a week – what to do?
In some cases, a bee sting reaction may last for weeks. For such cases, you need to be cautious and take proper care. Make an appointment with a medical expert, as getting late in such conditions may cause the sting venom to worsen.
Do’s and Don’ts against itching after a bee sting
There are some things you should and shouldn’t do after a bee stung to avoid further itching and consequences. That is, you must not only apply treatments, but you also need to take care of the sting area so the complications don’t increase further.
Don’t itch too often
Although it is not easy to control the itching caused by a bee sting, it is crucial to avoid that as much as possible.
Scratching the sting area can increase swelling and may lengthen the healing time.
As a result, it is essential to keep your pointed nails and other sharp items away from the affected area.
Maintain cleanliness
Use soap and water to clean the affected area. Do not rub the towel over the skin. Instead, wear smooth clothes on the skin.
Protect from further attacks
It is possible to get stung in the same area multiple times. And that can make the condition more painful and irritating.
Avoid outdoor activities, and wear full-sleeve clothes. Use a bee trap to keep the bees away from your surroundings.
When to see a doctor
Some insects, like honey bees and wasps, leave a powerful sting in your body, which may become life-threatening.
If pain, swelling, and itchiness are not reducing, visit the doctor soon to get the condition under control.
The Bottom Line
Pain, swelling, and itching are standard after a bee sting. However, it is always advisable to be aware of the common issues that might cause substantial harm.
Cleaning the sting area and applying practical items such as honey, essential oils, aloe Vera gel, etc., may help lower the itchiness of the skin.
What’s more, apart from natural remedies, it is always the best idea to visit the doctor if the issues are not handled with self-help.