Today was both a lesson for me, and brought a question to my attention. We just got back from the waterpark. My oldest and I had been in the "deep" pool for a while when we went to find my wife and youngest child. The first thing my wife said was, "I got stung by a bee". She showed me a bump on her arm, and I asked her if she put anything on it. I thought for a moment and realized I didn't have any FAKs hand, which would have included "After Sting". I suggested she go to the Office/First Aid and ask them for something for it. They put toothpaste on it! I had never heard of this, but the redness and swelling went down. During my years of detassling corn, I learned that putting mud on a sting keeps the swelling down, but never thought of toothpaste.

So here's my questions:What is it about toothpaste that works for stings? (or mud for that matter)
How does "After Sting" work? Does it neutralize the venom (correct term?) of a sting?

Also a good reminder to always, always, always have kit within arm's reach!