Judy Spradley wrote:
>
> 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).
 
For many years I swelled and itched like crazy when stung. I never found
anything over the counter or otherwise that helped after the fact.
However, I found that I hardly swelled at all if I would take an
antihistamine before I started working with the bees.
 
For what it's worth, I noticed a remarkable drop in my general reaction
level within a month after I started an intensive antioxidant vitamin
program for other reasons.  This was about a year ago and I'm averaging
3-10 stings a week, often all on the same day, with virtually no itching
or swelling reaction (but they still hurt just as much!)
 
Michael Reddell
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http://www.hotcity.com/~mwr