this is always a difficult question. i always want to let patients know that the best thing for it is actually an icepack. get a package of frozen peas out of the freezer. if you don't have one handy or available that's the best substitute if you don't have the gel pack or one of the ones you can instantly use. the most important thing is to get that cold pack on it and then try to get out the stinger. that's really the key to relieving the pain. there are topical anesthetic products like dermoplast which is kind of a numbing spray you can use that too but ice usually takes care of it. monitor the site to make sure it doesn't continue to stay red or oozing and if you can't get the stinger out then you need to see a physician or another healthcare provider to help you get that out to avoid any type of infection. but ice is really the key. no butter mayonnaise things like that. no condiments on the bee sting.
what's the best way to relieve the pain of a bee or wasp sting?