Avoidance

• Start by following some simple steps to avoid getting stung by bees. According to Dr. Alan Greene, M.D., FAAP, avoiding fragrances that may result from using scented lotions or hair products will help. Bees like sweet smells. Bees are also attracted to brightly colored clothing and floral prints so avoid dressing children in floral prints. When packing school lunches avoid cold cuts and juices. Bees are attracted to sweet items.
  Bees may sting if reacted to aggressively so it is a good idea to encourage children to stay still if one lands near them. Blowing on a bee will gently move the bee away from children. Making sure children wear shoes while outdoors playing will keep them from stepping on bees and getting stung.
  
  

First response to bee stings

• If a child is stung, the first step is to remove the stinger. Use a credit card, or blunt flat object like a butter knife and scrape against the stinger. This will remove the stinger without causing the still-attached venom sac to release more bee venom into the site. Using a tweezers may result in causing more pain for the stung child. If the child reacts negatively to anyone touching the bee sting area, allow him to calm down before proceeding. Dr Greene suggests washing the area with soap and water to keep it clean, which will avoid infection. Continue to keep the area clean for three to five days to ensure the area does not get infected.
  
  According to advice on the site mothernature.com, after the stinger has been removed and the area has been cleaned, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied to the bee sting for 15 to 20 minutes, which will help relieve pain. Another pain relieving option is to apply ice in a cloth directly to the sting area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time without allowing ice to directly contact the sting site.
  
  

After care

• Once the pain has calmed, one option to soothe the potential itchiness that results from a bee sting is to gently apply a roll-on antiperspirant, which relieves the pain and itching. Roll more antiperspirant on after an hour if pain and itching persists.
  The bee sting site can also be dabbed with small bit of ammonia, which will help soothe the pain. Dr. Greene finds bee sting pain may dissipate after two hours but swelling can last for a couple days. Administering an antihistamine can alleviate swelling and lingering pain from a bee sting.