How should the stinger from a honeybee be treated?

The appropriate treatment for a honeybee stinger involves scraping it away from the skin. When a bee stings, it can leave behind the stinger along with venom, which can continue to affect the individual if not removed promptly. Scraping the stinger out—rather than squeezing with tweezers or trying to pull it out—prevents the venom sack from being ruptured and releasing more venom, which can worsen symptoms.

Using a scraping technique, often with a sharp edge like a credit card or a similar object, allows for the stinger to be removed cleanly without further injecting venom. This method is effective and minimizes the risk of aggravating the injury. In contrast, other methods like squeezing or irrigation do not address the stinger effectively and may contribute to more discomfort or complications.