- Stay calm and reassure the child.
- Remove the stinger quickly by scraping it out with a fingernail or card — don’t squeeze it.
- Wash the area gently with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress or ice pack(wrapped in a cloth) for 10–15 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
- Use an age-appropriate antihistamine or pain reliever (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen) if needed.
- Elevate the limb if the sting is on an arm or leg to help reduce swelling.
- Observe closely for any signs of allergic reaction for at least 30 minutes after the sting.
When to Worry – Signs of a Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
Seek emergency medical help immediately (call emergency services) if any of these occur:
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or throat tightness
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or eyes
- Dizziness, fainting, or collapse
- Widespread hives or rash beyond the sting site
- Nausea, vomiting, or a feeling of impending doom
Children who show these symptoms may require immediate intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine) and emergency monitoring.
Allergy and Sensitisation Therapy
- Children who have had a severe or systemic allergic reaction should be referred to an allergist or immunologist.
- The specialist may recommend venom immunotherapy (desensitisation) — a long-term treatment that gradually trains the immune system to tolerate bee venom, reducing the risk of future severe reactions by up to 90–95%.
First Aid and Follow-Up
- Keep the child still and calm to slow venom spread.
- If there is known allergy, use an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) immediately and call for help.
- Apply a cool compress and monitor breathing while awaiting emergency care.
- After any significant reaction, arrange follow-up with a GP or allergy specialist for further testing and management.
