Last Updated on September 16, 2024
A bee can sting on any part of your body, and the head is no different. However, the reaction to a bee sting will be different depending on where the bee stung.
If you have a bee sting on your head, you must be wondering what to put on it, what to do about it, and whether it is dangerous. If it is, how much and how to deal with it?
Being the topmost part of the body, we usually experience many flying species, such as bees, wandering around our heads, and it becomes easy for us to get a sting from them.
Is A Bee Sting On Head Dangerous? How Much & How To Treat It?
A bee sting on the head can be severe if the sting comes from a dangerous bee or the stung site has nerve endings.
Bee stings on the head should not surprise you, as that is the area on top that is most likely to receive one or more stings.
If you have already been stung there, you must take action to treat it as quickly as possible.
There are some after-sting points that you must follow to avoid any potential complications.
You can follow general things after getting a sting, and most of the treatments are advised by professionals.
Find out the stinger
The primary reason a bee is considered harmful is because of its venomous stinger, which is usually stuck in the stung site and doesn’t come out quickly.
You must find that stinger and pull it out otherwise, it will cause other complications to your body, such as:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Itching
- Hives A
- Anaphylaxis
One thing to remember is that catching the stinger from within the hair is pretty challenging, unlike other body parts, as hairs covering your entire head look similar to stingers.
You need assistance from someone else to find the stinger from the head, and you can’t look into your head.
Your sting remover buddy has first to side away hairs from the stung site.
After that, identify the stinger hidden inside your head using a phone’s torch or magnifier.
Using an item with straight edges, slowly scrap the stinger.
Never use tweezers, which can press the stinger, spreading venom inside the body.
Do not use any unprofessional method to remove a stinger. Use the methods mentioned above instead.
If the stinger still has not been removed with self-help, visit a medical expert to have it removed safely.
Wash the head
After successfully removing the stinger, it is time to wash your head.
Apply soap to your head, especially the stung site, and wash appropriately with normal water.
Make sure to gently wash the stung site without applying any pressure or scratches with your fingers nails.
Dry your head slowly using a towel. Do not wrap your head; let the stung site open.
Ice compress
A cold compression using ice is effective after a bee sting on the head.
Wrap an ice cube with a piece of plastic shopper to compress the ice at the stung site and apply it directly.
Use this remedy for ten to fifteen minutes, pausing for a few seconds in between.
Please do not use it for more than that, as too much cold compress can also cause frostbite.
Apply ointments
Ointments such as hydrocortisone are helpful against itching, swelling, and discomfort from the stung site. It can be purchased from the nearest pharmacy store.
Apply it in a small quantity on your fingertip to the sting area.
Ensure the impacted area can be reached by siding the hairs of the head.
Calamine lotion
It is suitable for healing skin irritations such as itching, pain, and swelling after a bee sting.
Use it in small quantities on the stung site.
Apply gently, making sure the lotion reaches the head’s skin.
Avoid combing
Since the sting is on the head covered with hair, you must avoid combing on the affected site.
Be careful even while using a hair brush on the unaffected site, as the pointed ends may disturb the site.
Don’t scratch
If you have dandruff, you could scratch the stung site, too.
Although it is a bit hard to avoid, you need to stop it, as scratching the head area stung by a bee may affect the healing process and possibly cause further complications.
Leave the head open
Do not cover your head with a cap or any piece of cloth.
Let the head and stung site open for 2 – 3 hours after a bee sting.
However, you can still wear safety helmets as necessary and not tight to the head.
Stay indoors
When there are plenty of bees around your lawn or nearby pool, you should stay inside and protect yourself.
Also, avoid eating outside or any place where bees are attracted.
Is a bee sting on the head dangerous?
A bee sting on the head can be dangerous due to one of the following reasons.
A sting is by a dangerous bee
A sting on the head can be dangerous if it is from a honey bee, wasp, hornet, yellowjacket, or any other harmful bee.
These bees are considered to be terrible in terms of stinging. So, never ignore them if you get stung by them.
Allergic reaction
Ignoring complications after a bee sting may result in allergic reactions such as pain, swelling, itching, and possibly a dangerous condition known as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis may cause a fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and hives. It may also cause swelling of the throat or tongue.
More stings
A single sting is usually easier to handle, but if your head is stung one or more times, that can become problematic.
It would be difficult to treat each stung site separately. If you’ve been stung multiple times, you must be attentive while treating your head.
The Bottom Line
Like other visible parts of the body, the head can be stung. To avoid complications, you must take care of the stung site.
Treating the stung site on your head, which is covered with hair, can be tricky. You might need a torch, a magnifying glass, and someone else to find the stinger.
Once you find and remove the stinger, you are almost done relieving it sooner.
If you are experiencing severe problems such as pain, itching, or swelling days after getting a sting, you should visit the doctor and discuss all the issues with them to get professional treatment.