Unfortunately, summer outdoor fun may be stymied by an occasional bee sting.

Call 911 immediately if a bee sting is associated with breathing problems, wheezing, or swelling of the mouth or throat.

If your child gets stung by a bee

  • Scrape out the stinger: Pulling out the stinger may leave part of it in the skin and exacerbate the body’s allergic reaction.

  • Placing toothpaste or meat tenderizer on the sting: These are good home remedies to decrease pain.

  • If the surrounding skin becomes red or swollen, try oral Benadryl:  It may also be given to blunt your body’s allergic response. Topical 1% hydrocortisone cream may also help alleviate itching and inflammation.