Bee stings – how to treat them, how long do they last and when should the swelling go down?

• Honey – apply a small amount to the area and add a plaster over it for an hour – this should help healing and reduce pain and itching.
• Baking soda – mix with water to create a paste and apply a thick layer to the area and cover with a plaster for 15 minutes. This should neutralise the bee venom from the sting and reduce swelling.
• Apple cider vinegar – soak a cloth in the vinegar and apply to the stung area for at least 15 minutes. This should neutralise the sting.

When will the swelling go down?

The team at suggests that "the swelling from a bee sting may peak at around 48 hours after you've been stung, but it usually should be completely gone within a few days and maximum a week".

You can speed up the healing process by applying a cold compress whenever it feels sore or swollen.

They also advise you to avoid scratching the area at any time.