Bee1, and the rest of the new Bee Keepers.
Don't if this was said or not.
Early in the season, before the bees have much honey stored. A good gentle colony doesn't sting as much
as they do after they get some honey stored.
The hives that I know, I don't use gloves the first few times. But after a super or two is added I start useing them.
Like some said, smoke the area as soon as possible after the sting, and ,yes, for some reason the baby powder works.
Stay away from smelly perfumes, deodorant when working with Bees.
I use the "hunters", SENT-A-WAY deodorant.
If you don't have allergic reaction to the ventom, I wouldn't take anything.
The bit of pain and swelling comes with the fun and joys of Beek-ing
doak