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For those who have an allergy to bee, wasp, or yellow jacket stings, it is important to always carry a bee sting kit (which requires a prescription) and become familiar with its use. After a sting, immediately use the kit to administer an injection of medication (epinephrine).
Call Poison Control or a hospital emergency room for guidance if the person has an allergy to the insect or was stung inside the mouth or throat. It may be necessary to go to the hospital if the reaction is severe.
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Remove the stinger from the skin (if it is still present). Carefully scrape the back of a knife or other thin straight-edged object across the stinger if the victim is able to remain still, and it is safe to do so. Otherwise, you can pull out the stinger with tweezers or your fingers, but avoid pinching the venom sac at the end of the stinger which will cause more venom to be released
Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water.
Place ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. If patient has circulatory problems, decrease the time that the ice is on the area, to prevent possible damage to the skin.
Use diphenhydramine (Benadryl) by mouth. This antihistamine drug may be used alone for a mild symptoms.
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