Dr. Max Gomez: Surprising Remedies For Bee Stings

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- As the temperature rises, kids are getting out of school and heading outdoors to play, catch some sun, and share some time with our six-legged friends.

Unfortunately, those friends don't always want to share their space and we end up getting stung.

On Wednesday, CBS 2's Dr. Max Gomez spoke with parents and kids from P.S.-321 in Brooklyn about their methods for dealing with a bee sting.

"I was always told you put baking soda and water on it to get the swelling down," Tracie King said.

Others suggested using ice, and one Brooklyn resident had a unique way of dealing with a bothersome bee.

"Um, first of all if it tries to come again, kick it in the face," Phoenix Doyle said.

Instead of kicking, bee sting victims should look for the stinger and try to get it out.

"If there is a stinger, don't try to squeeze because that will actually squeeze more venom out. What you want to do is try to pull it out with a tweezers, or if you don't have one available try to at least scratch it out with your nail," Dr. Emma Raizman said.

Ice will help to prevent the venom from spreading and also numbs the area.

A paste of baking soda also helps to soothe the sting and an antihistamine lotion or oatmeal can ease the itching.

Meat tenderizer is also a surprising remedy. The same enzyme that breaks down the protein in meat to tenderize it also breaks down bee venom, which is mostly protein.

If the bite or sting causes a raised rash that looks like hives, experts suggest calling a doctor because you may need something stronger.

If you are having trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 immediately. An allergic reaction to the sting could be life threatening.

Honey bees are the only insects that leave their stingers behind, which is why they die after stinging.

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