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Bee stings are acidic. Bicarbonate of soda is alkaline and so neutralises it.
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There is a great deal of misinformation concerning this issue, and so the statement above is essentially nonsense. There are all kinds of old wives' tales concerning treatments for various kinds of bites or stings. These are generally without merit. Bee stings contain a soup of chemicals including neurotoxins, proteins and enzymes which cause pain, itching, and swelling. The fact that the liquid may be acidic has little to do with the body's response and adding baking soda, a base will do very little, if anything.
Consider this: The stinger injects the fluid subcutaneously. Adding baking soda to the surface of the skin won't do anything for the chemicals below the skin. Therefore, there is no reaction between NaHCO3 and any acids as the question is implying.
So why does your skin feel better when a poultice of NaHCO3 in water is placed on top of the skin? The water evaporates and cools the site where there is inflammation, and helps reduce swelling. Anything which cools the skin will make it feel better.
To really counteract the effect of the proteins and enzymes in the skin after being stung, an antihistamine must be administered.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoPeople think it neutralises the sting, but that doesn't work.
The pain from a bee sting only last for a couple of minutes anyway and you could be left with itching. Bicarbonate of soda can help soothe the itching.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoSodium bicarbonate solution can have a soothing effect on inflamed or itching skin. Other than that, it has no effect on the venom in the sting. It certainly doesn't neutralise it as many people think.
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Bicarbonate of soda has a pH about 9 why is this good thing to treat a bee sting with?
The soda which is alkaline neutralizes the bee sting which is acidic. For wasp stings use vinegar. Vinegar is acidic and neutralizes the alkaline wasp sting.
Why are bee stings treated with ammonium hydroxide?
Bee Stings are generally acidic in nature... Ammonium Hydroxide being basic neutralize the effect of the bee sting, thus preventing from it's ill effects.
Why can you use ammonia to treat a bee sting?
Ammonia is basic and the idea is that it will neutralise the formic acid in the sting
How do you cure a bee or wasps sting?
bee sting is acidic you can use bicarbonate of soda to cure the sting . bicarbonate of soda is a alkaline which will make acid and alkaline together neutralize the sting and wasps are same except that u can use vinegar since it is alkaline
What acids is present in toothpaste that minimise the pain caused by the bee sting?
i believe that the pain caused by a bee sting is caused by a strong acid which is injected by the sting itself. The substance in the toothpaste which causes the pain to be minimised is not actually an acid, but a base. This substance is most likely sodium bicarbonate, which will neutalise the acid. Conversely wasp stings are caused by a strong alkalai substance and can be neutralised with a strong acid (such as vinegar)
What make peat and can be used to treat burns bee sting and to polish objects?
Baking soda can be used to treat bee stings and polish objects. To make this mixture of baking soda to treat bee stings, you add water. To polish objects, you add baby oil.
Bicarbonate of soda has a pH about 9 why is this good thing to treat a bee sting with?
The soda which is alkaline neutralizes the bee sting which is acidic. For wasp stings use vinegar. Vinegar is acidic and neutralizes the alkaline wasp sting.
Treat bee stings with an acid or an alkali?
acids can not be used.
Can nystatin and triamcinolone acetonide be used on bee stings?
No, nystatin and triamcinolone acetonide can not be used on bee stings. When combined nystatin and triamcinolone acetonide are used to treat fungal and yeast infections. Triamcinolone acetonide by itself can be used for bee stings.
Why can you use toothpaste to treat a bee sting?
Never heard of that. BUT for bees stings use bi carbonate of soda and for wasp stings use vinegar. Because bee stings are acid and the bicarbonate neutralizes it and wasp stings are alkaline so the acid neutralizes it.
What bites and stings could be neutralized with bicarbonate of soda?
Bee sting and a ant bite HUFFI
How can wasp and bee stings be treated using everyday substances?
when ants and nettles (works also on bees) bite or sting you they release formic acid under your skin .This hurts your---------- body doesn't like to be injected with acid. bee stings are also acidic these can be treated by calamine lotion or bicarbonate soda solution which both cancel out the acid.Wasp stings are alkaline. you can treat it by putting vinegar on it.
Does ic Prednisone treat bee stings?
Prednisone is an oral steroid that can be used to treat wasp stings depending on how severe the reaction is. Antihistamines are usually among the first treatments used.
How are bee and wasp stings cured?
Vinegar helps against wasp stings because they are alkaline but would not help for a bee sting because it is acidic. Bicarbonate of soda helps counteract the acidity of a bee sting. Ultimately time is the main healer.
What kind of toothpaste should you use for bee stings?
Don't use toothpaste for bee stings. Make a paste with water and baking soda and apply that to the site. Be sure the stinger is removed first, if it is still present.
How do you treat ground bee stings?
For all bee stings, first start by removing the stinger. Place a cold compress to soothe the area and reduce swelling. If you have an allergy, seek medical attention immediately.
What did people in the 1800's use for a bee sting?
they treat bee sting in the 1800 by cold food and snow
