What type of neutralization reaction can you treat a bee sting with?

Answer 1

It's a myth that you can cure a wasp or bee sting by neutralizing it. There are three reasons:

• To neutralize a chemical you have to add exactly the correct amount of the neutralizing chemical so they balance. This is not possible if you don't know exactly what you are neutralizing.
• The venom has been injected under the surface of the skin. Anything applied to the surface of the skin that is strong enough to reach the venom will almost certainly do more harm than good.
• Both bee and wasp venom are complex cocktails of substances, each of which has its own effect, and most of these cannot be countered by simple 'neutralization'.

Under normal circumstances the effects of the sting will pass in quite a short time. The only sensible treatment for a sting is to treat the symptoms: a painkiller such as paracetamol if required; a cold compress or an anti-histamine cream for the swelling.
Any abnormal symptoms such as nausea, faintness, or swelling away from the sting site require medical attention. Loss of consciousness or difficulty with breathing require immediate urgent medical care.

Answer 2

A bee sting hurts because it is an acid. You can neutralise it with any alkali, like toothpaste.

Answer 3

No