BEE STINGS

When a honey bee stings someone, the sting and venom sac and pump are left in the skin after the bee pulls away. (This eventually kills the bee.) Most of the venom will be injected in the first 20 seconds, but the pump can continue for up to two minutes. Thus, it is important to get the sting out fast to minimise the dose of venom.

The best method to remove the sting is to scratch it out with a fingernail or something sharp. Then one can apply a soothing lotion, such as Witch Hazel or calamine lotion, or even a spread of honey.