The correct steps to take after a bee sting: ① Leave the area immediately — the alarm pheromone released by a bee when it stings (isoamyl acetate, smelling similar to banana oil) can attract other nearby bees to attack within seconds to minutes.
② Remove the stinger immediately — a bee's stinger has barbs, and after stinging, the stinger and venom sac remain in the skin; the muscles of the venom sac can continue to contract rhythmically and inject venom for up to 30–60 seconds even after being detached from the bee! Use a fingernail, the edge of a credit card, or a dull knife to "scrape" the stinger off from the side — do not use tweezers to pinch it (pinching can squeeze the remaining venom from the sac into the wound).
The speed of removal is much more important than the removal method — every second of delay means more venom is injected.
③ Wash the sting site with soap and water.
④ Apply a cold compress (ice pack wrapped in a towel) for 15–20 minutes — to reduce swelling and pain.
⑤ Take an oral antihistamine (loratadine, cetirizine) to relieve itching.
⑥ If pain is severe, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
⑦ Monitor for allergic reaction — if generalized hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or confusion develop, call emergency services immediately — this is a precursor to anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening.
Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting in the past should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen).