Bee Stings

What To Do If Your Child Gets a Bee Sting

Natural Relief Tips Every Parent Should Know

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to caring for your child after a bee sting using safe, effective remedies I trust

🐝 Step 1: Stay Calm and Reassure

First, take a deep breath — and help your child do the same. Bee stings hurt, but most are mild and treatable at home. Let your child know they’re safe and that you know just what to do.

🔍 Step 2: Look for the Stinger

If it was a honeybee, it may have left its stinger behind. Removing it quickly can reduce the amount of venom that enters the skin.

Tip:

Use your phone’s magnification app to zoom in and spot the stinger more easily — it’s a game-changer. Gently scrape it off using the edge of a credit card or your fingernail. Try not to pinch or squeeze it, as this can release more venom.

❄️ Step 3: Soothe the Area Naturally

Once the stinger is out, it’s time to calm the inflammation and stop the itching.

My two favorites:

💚 Weleda Bites & Burns Cooling Gel

I keep this in our first aid kit at all times. It contains arnica and echinacea to naturally soothe swelling and discomfort, and it feels instantly cooling on contact.

Black Salve from Bear Homestead

Apply a small amount to the sting site and let it absorb. You can reapply every few hours as needed.

💡 Bonus: Reduce Inflammation with Light Therapy

If you have a LumeBox, you can use it to help reduce localized inflammation even faster. A quick session can help calm redness and swelling and support the skin’s natural healing process — we’ve used it with great results after minor bites and stings

🧊 Optional Relief Boosters

Depending on how your child is feeling, you can also try one of these simple natural remedies:

• Cold compress: Wrap an ice pack in a towel and hold on the sting for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.

• Baking soda paste: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water and apply to the area for a few minutes.

• Epsom salt soak: For stings on feet or legs, a quick soak can help draw out toxins and ease soreness.

🚨 Always check with your doctor

Most bee stings are harmless beyond the initial discomfort. However, if your child experiences any of the following, seek medical help right away:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

• Swelling of the face or lips

• Dizziness or fainting

• A rash or hives spreading beyond the sting