Reaction, swelling the next day, what to put on it?

The bee bite is not uncommon in summer. The bee does not sting to eat but to defend itself, if it is attacked. As with mosquitoes, it is the female that stings in bees. She stings to defend her colony and ensure the survival of her species. The bee leaves its sting and the venom gland on the skin, hence the importance of quickly removing the dart with its nail, the corner of a credit card or a cotton disk for example. A bee can only bite once because she dies after having sinned her dart in her victim because her abdomen is tearing himself apart. In some people and function of the number of bites, a serious allergic reaction can occur. It is a medical emergency that often requires hospitalization. Advice from our pharmacist.

What differences with a wasp bite?

The bee bites and the wasps bites are almost similar. There are differences. After having bitten, the bee leaves its harpoon -shaped dart in the skin (then dies). The wasps, on the other hand, have a smooth dart which allows them to prick several times, without detaching themselves from the body of the insect. In addition, the two insects have a different appearance: the bee is hairy while the wasp has straight and smooth hair, almost ras.

Bite of a black bee (purplish xylocope)

The violated xylocope (xylocopa violacea) or “the carpenter bee” is a big bee with black wings and purplish reflections. It is the biggest bee in Europe, it can measure up to 5 cm major (wings deployed)! His body is generally larger than that of the Asian hornet. It appears around the months of April and May. Like all bees, the Xylocope only stings if you handle it or if you approach its colony. Its bite in most cases leads to swelling, redness of the skin and pain, and disappears in a few days. On the other hand, in case of allergy, the bite can be more dangerous. A medical consultation is then necessary.

What are the symptoms and reactions to a stingyer?

The bite rarely goes unnoticed due to the pain generated. Very lively, it appears almost to permanently at the place where the bee has placed its dart. Venom injected into the skin also causes a itching, a blooming and a redness. Depending on the stung area, the swelling is more or less important and can continue until the next day. The face (eyelids, lips, etc.) and the neck are areas that react particularly quickly to the bite. In the majority of cases, the bite only leads to a local reaction. But in case of allergic field to bee venom, the bite can cause a more serious reaction.

What to do in the event of a bee bite on the face?

The face (eyelids, lips, mouth) and the neck are areas that react particularly quickly to the bite. In the majority of cases, the bite only leads to a local reaction. The dart must be removed, disinfect and monitor the bite. In case of allergy, you must quickly consult a doctor and go to pharmacy.

How to relieve a stingyer?

• First step after the bite: remove the dart. To do this, do not use tweezers so as not to take the risk of piercing the venom pocket and therefore freeing the venom. Instead, use a bank card or a piece of cardboard.
• Second step: clean the wound with hot water and soap. The stung area must also be cleaned with an antiseptic.
• Third step: to soothe the pain, it is recommended to use a calming cream. You can also use an Aspiven syringe before the extraction of the venom. It is also possible to take a painkiller to limit pain. Finally, raise the stung area (arms, leg) can help reduce the pain.

What to do in case of allergy to a stingyer?

Many people would be allergic to bee bites without knowing it. In them, the symptoms are immediately serious and can be fatal. A bite in the mouth can cause suffocation. On certain reactions, dermocorticoids (corticosteroid ointment) can be applied. Oral antihistamines can also be administered. People who know themselves allergic to bee venom can ask their doctor the prescription of an emergency case composed of injectable adrenaline (Epipen® 0.3mg type), an antihistamine (for example zyrtec®) and a corticosteroid orally. Do not hesitate to warn those around you if you are allergic.

“”To be monitored, but like a standard mosquito bite. Disinfect well with water and soap as long as the wound is red. It will gradually deflate“, Details Tina Manéral, pharmacist.

Is the bee bite serious? Fatal?

“”The main risk for allergic people is anaphylactic shock“, alerts the pharmacist. The main symptoms of quincke edema are:

• respiratory discomfort,
• nausea,
• skin symptoms,
• A modification of the voice (edema of the mucous membranes).

In this situation, the immediate injection of adrenaline and the call of the SAMU (15) are essential. People who know themselves allergic must always have at hand to self -making adrenaline pen. People who have developed a serious allergic reaction can be desensitized.

• Do not walk barefoot in nature, especially in the grass.
• Do not wear substances attracting wasps and bees (perfumes, lacquers, scented sunscreen, etc.)
• Avoid approaching hives or nests.
• Stay in a good distance from poorly closed garbage cans.
• If an insect revolves around you, stay calm. Avoid sudden gestures and disorderly movements, push it away gently.
• Outside, avoid drinks in cans, you risk a throat bite by swallowing a wasp that fell into your drink.

You can call on a beekeeper to withdraw a swarm of bees.

Thanks to Tina Géréral, pharmacist.