Although summer has officially ended, many of us continue to bask in outdoor activities well into the fall. And even though kids are well engrained into school, wasps, bees and even jellyfish are still lurking about waiting for the opportunity to sting. But, according to Parkland Health & Hospital System officials, look no further than your own pantry for quick and easy pain relievers.
Pantry essentials like meat tenderizer and baking soda can take the bite out of a wasp or bee sting, said Charise Thomason, Public Health Educator in the North Texas Poison Center, located at Parkland.
“A great way to soothe the burn of an insect bite or sting is to mix two parts baking soda with one part warm water to make a paste,” Thomason said. “First, remove the stinger if you’re stung by a bee with the blunt edge of a knife or credit card. Then gently spread the paste over the bug bite and let it dry.”
If you’re heading to the beach for the weekend, remember to pack the vinegar and meat tenderizer along with the flip flops and beach towels. Jellyfish stings can pack a powerful punch of pain, especially the notorious Portuguese Man O’War. In the event of a jellyfish sting, wash the area with vinegar. Sprinkle meat tenderizer or use the baking soda paste method. Rinse with hot water and apply vinegar to the site for 30 minutes. Shaving cream can also be used to relieve the stinging sensation. Always call the North Texas Poison Center at 1.800.222.1222 to learn more tips and tricks, and to know how to spot the signs of an allergic reaction.
And what about our grandmothers’ advice to butter up those minor burns? Not recommended, according to Sue Vanek, RN, Parkland’s Burn Program Manager.
“Over the years, I’ve seen patients use everything from butter and mayonnaise to mustard and shaving cream to heal burns – but anything other than a triple antibiotic ointment has the potential to cause major infection,” Vanek said. “The best remedy for minor burns is to wash with soap and water, and then keep clean and dry.”
Even the often-hailed “miracle” aloe vera plant is more comfort than remedy when soothing a sunburn, Vanek added.
