28/01/2022
KIDS AND BEE STINGS 🐝
We have had requests to do more posts on the first aid for Summer stings - let's start with a common one - bees.
Our number one tip... Remove the stinger as quickly as possible, preferably by scraping it to the side.
Bee stings can be painful but generally, the pain subsides quickly. When a bee stings, it leaves behind the stinger with a sac of venom.
The ideal method to remove a bee sting is to scrape or flick it to the side with your fingernail, a credit card, or something stiff that works similarly. This is recommended as the most beneficial way of removal, to avoid squeezing and injecting more venom into the skin.
- Teach your little ones that if a bee is buzzing around, don't swat at it.
- If your child is allergic to bees, don't dress them in bright/floral patterned clothing when playing outside as it can attract bees.
- If a bee gets caught in someone's clothing, encourage them to stay calm.
MILD REACTION TO BEE STINGS
Symptoms of a mild bee sting can include:
- A sharp burning pain or itchiness at the site if the sting
- A red welt and slight swelling at the site of the sting
If your child experiences a mild bee sting:
- Remove the sting promptly
- Clean the affected area with soap and warm water
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress
A mild reaction usually subsides within a few hours.
MODERATE REACTION TO BEE STINGS
A moderate reaction can include:
- Extreme redness at and around the site of the sting
- Swelling at the site of the sting that continues to get bigger
Moderate reactions take longer to go away, sometimes a few days.
If your child has a moderate reaction to a bee sting, monitor for any of the below signs of a severe allergic reaction - just one sign of an anaphylactic response means URGENT medical help is required.
If the bite remains moderate, seek medical help as your child may require medication to help with the symptoms.
A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to bee stings (anaphylaxis)
This can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical care.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Rash, possibly all over the body (it is possible that there won't be any rash at all)
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the throat and tongue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Floppiness (especially in young children)
- Loss of consciousness
- Drop in blood pressure (shock)
Recognising when your child has these symptoms is very important as they will need urgent medical help.
If your child is stung by a bee and has a SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION reaction:
- Remove the sting urgently
- Lay your child flat. If breathing is difficult, allow them to sit on the floor with their legs out in front of them, but DO NOT let them stand up or walk around
- Use an adrenaline injector if available
- Phone 000 for an ambulance
- Further adrenaline doses can be given if there is no response after five minutes
- If they become unconscious, follow DRSABCD.
If your child has anaphylaxis, ensure your GP or paediatrician has provided you with an anaphylaxis action plan. Give this to your child's school, daycare, and to anyone who regularly looks after your child.
And remember, if you are ever unsure or concerned, seek medical advice - trust your gut!
Reference
Information taken from 'A Life, A Finger, A Pea up a Nose', CPR KIDS Essential First Aid Guide for Babies and Children written by CPR Kids founder, Sarah Hunstead - https://www.cprkids.com.au/shop-cpr-kids/ and ASCIA https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/insect-allergy-bites-and-stings/allergic-reactions-to-bites-and-stings
