> I am a newbie beekeeper looking for info on treating beestings.  I
> understand the part about scraping the stinger out.  My question is how do
> you cope with/treat the swelling/itching that goes on for 3 or 4 days after
> the fact?  The itching is AWFUL.  I tried an over the counter antihistamine
> last time and that helped some.  Is there any topical ointment that is
> effective?  My bee books don't address the subject.  (must be some macho
> beekeeper thing).
 
You swell the most with your first few stings. Thereafter, it gets
much better, eventually to the point where you don't even notice being
stung (not because you've died, however).
 
Conrad Sigona
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