This is the one thing you should never do if you’re stung by a bee
THERE'S nothing quite like a painful bee sting to ruin your mood on a chilled summer day.
But a scientist has warned there's one thing you shouldn't do if you get stung this season, even if it's tempting.
When you get stung by a honey bee, it leaves its stinger in your skin.
But Professor James Logan, head of disease control at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, told the you shouldn't grab it and pull it out.
Doing this will squeeze out more venom into your skin, making the sting even more painful.
Instead, he recommends using a credit card or fingernail to "swipe sideways along the skin";, catching the stinger and gently lifting it out.
Are you having an allergic reaction?
- Five per cent of Brits are allergic to bee or wasp venom.
- You could have an anaphylactic reaction even if you've been stung before and not reacted.
- Symptoms include feeling faint, wheezing or other breathing difficulties, a fast heartbeat, clammy skin, confusion, anxiety, collapsing or passing out.
- Some people may experience hives, feeling sick, swelling or stomach pain.
- Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency.
- If you think someone's having an allergic reaction, remove the sting, use an Epipen if they have one, and call an ambulance.
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After removing the stinger, you should take an antihistamine and use an ice pack to ease the itching.
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