How do flat hives differ from other types of rashes. What are the distinguishing characteristics of hives compared to common skin conditions. When should you seek medical attention for hives or rashes.

Understanding Flat Hives: Characteristics and Causes

Flat hives, also known as urticaria, are a distinctive type of skin rash characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin. These welts typically appear suddenly and can vary in size and shape. Unlike many other rashes, hives generally resolve on their own within 24 hours without leaving lasting marks on the skin.

Key characteristics of flat hives include:

• Smooth, raised appearance
• Itchiness
• Quick onset
• No dryness, peeling, or flaking
• Color varies based on skin tone (red on lighter skin, red/purple/similar to skin tone on darker skin)
• Blanching (center loses color when pressed)

What causes flat hives? Hives often occur due to allergic reactions to various triggers, including:

• Specific foods
• Insect bites or stings
• Medications
• Pet dander
• Pollen or plants
• Latex

Additionally, physical factors can trigger hives in some individuals. These may include pressure, temperature changes, scratching, rubbing, or exposure to heat or cold.

Differentiating Hives from Other Common Skin Conditions

While hives have distinct characteristics, they can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions. Here’s how to differentiate hives from some common skin rashes:

Dermatitis (Eczema)

Is dermatitis the same as hives? No, dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a different skin condition characterized by:

• Dry, scaly, itchy rash
• Potential cracking or bleeding in severe cases
• Chronic nature (in atopic dermatitis)
• Longer duration (14-28 days for contact dermatitis)
• Blistering and pain (in contact dermatitis)

Heat Rash (Miliaria)

Heat rash differs from hives in several ways:

• Caused by blocked sweat ducts
• Prickly-feeling rash
• Tiny bumps
• Limited to areas where sweat ducts are blocked
• Often occurs in hot weather or during fever
• Resolves in a few days

Insect Bites

How can you tell if it’s an insect bite or hives? Insect bites typically:

• Cause small, localized bumps or swelling
• May be red, pink, or flesh-colored
• Can trigger hives in allergic individuals
• Require medical attention if swelling spreads or becomes very painful

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection with distinct symptoms:

• Inflamed, swollen area of skin
• Tenderness to touch
• Noticeable warmth
• Blistering
• Swollen glands
• Requires antibiotic treatment

Identifying Hives: Key Indicators

To determine if a rash is hives rather than another skin condition, look for these indicators:

• Rapid appearance after exposure to a trigger
• Well-defined affected area (though it may change shape or move)
• No blistering, flaking, or broken skin
• Color change when pressed or when a glass is rolled against the skin
• Itchiness (though not all hives are itchy)

Chronic Hives: When Urticaria Persists

Can hives last for extended periods? Yes, some individuals experience chronic hives, which persist for at least 6 weeks. Key points about chronic hives include:

• May be associated with autoimmune disorders
• Often have an unclear cause
• Usually improve over time without treatment
• Average duration of 3-5 years

Treatment Options for Hives and Rashes

How are hives typically treated? Acute or short-term hives often resolve within 24 hours with or without treatment. However, the following options may provide relief:

• Applying cool compresses to ease itchiness
• Taking antihistamines
• Avoiding known triggers
• Using over-the-counter anti-itch creams

For chronic hives or persistent rashes, additional treatments may be necessary:

• Prescription-strength antihistamines
• Oral corticosteroids (for severe cases)
• Immunosuppressants
• Biologics (for resistant cases)

When to Seek Medical Attention for Hives or Rashes

While most cases of hives are not dangerous, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. When should you seek emergency care for hives or rashes?

• Swelling in the mouth or airways
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Signs of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
• Hives that persist for more than a few days
• Rashes accompanied by fever or severe pain
• Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, or pus)

Prevention Strategies for Hives and Common Rashes

Can hives and rashes be prevented? While not always possible, several strategies may help reduce the risk of developing hives or common rashes:

• Identify and avoid known triggers
• Keep skin moisturized to prevent dryness and irritation
• Wear protective clothing when exposed to potential irritants
• Use hypoallergenic skincare products
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques
• Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle

For individuals prone to heat rash:

• Wear loose, breathable clothing in hot weather
• Stay hydrated
• Use air conditioning or fans to keep cool
• Take cool showers or baths

The Impact of Skin Type on Hives and Rashes

Does skin type affect the appearance and treatment of hives and rashes? Yes, skin type can influence how hives and rashes manifest and are managed:

Lighter Skin Tones

• Hives often appear red and more visible
• Easier to detect color changes and blanching
• May be more prone to sunburn-related rashes

Darker Skin Tones

• Hives may be red, purple, or similar to skin tone
• Can be more challenging to detect color changes
• May require different diagnostic approaches
• Less prone to sun-related rashes but more susceptible to hyperpigmentation

Regardless of skin tone, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment of persistent or concerning skin conditions.

Long-term Management of Chronic Skin Conditions

For individuals dealing with chronic hives or recurrent rashes, long-term management strategies are crucial. How can you effectively manage chronic skin conditions?

• Work closely with a dermatologist or allergist
• Keep a detailed symptom journal to identify patterns or triggers
• Develop a personalized treatment plan
• Consider allergy testing to identify potential triggers
• Explore stress-reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
• Join support groups or online communities for shared experiences and advice
• Stay informed about new treatment options and research developments

Managing chronic skin conditions often requires patience and persistence. It’s important to maintain open communication with healthcare providers and be proactive in seeking solutions that work best for individual cases.

The Psychological Impact of Hives and Rashes

How do persistent skin conditions affect mental health? Chronic hives and recurrent rashes can have significant psychological impacts:

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Reduced self-esteem and body image issues
• Social isolation or avoidance of activities
• Sleep disturbances due to itching or discomfort
• Frustration with unpredictable flare-ups

Addressing the psychological aspects of chronic skin conditions is crucial for overall well-being. Consider these strategies:

• Seek counseling or therapy to develop coping mechanisms
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Engage in regular exercise to boost mood and reduce stress
• Connect with others who have similar experiences
• Focus on self-care and stress management

Remember that the emotional impact of skin conditions is valid, and seeking support is an important part of comprehensive care.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments for Hives and Rashes

What advancements are being made in the treatment of hives and rashes? Ongoing research is exploring new approaches to managing these skin conditions:

• Targeted biologics for chronic urticaria
• Gene therapy for inherited skin disorders
• Microbiome-based treatments
• Personalized medicine approaches
• Advanced diagnostic tools for accurate identification of triggers

While many of these treatments are still in development, they offer hope for more effective management of challenging skin conditions in the future. Staying informed about research progress and discussing new options with healthcare providers can help individuals access the most current and appropriate treatments for their specific needs.

As our understanding of skin conditions continues to evolve, so too will the strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This ongoing progress offers hope for improved quality of life for those affected by hives, rashes, and other persistent skin issues.

Hives vs. rash: Pictures, differences, and symptoms

Hives are a type of rash that cause itchy welts on the skin. People can tell them apart from other rashes by their smooth, raised appearance and how they usually appear quickly and resolve on their own within 24 hours.

Unlike other rashes, hives generally do not come with dryness, peeling, or flaking. They also do not typically leave lasting marks on the skin.

Hives are not dangerous in themselves, but sometimes, they are the first sign of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. A person should call emergency services immediately if someone develops swelling in the mouth and airways, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

Read on to learn more about the differences between hives versus other rashes.

Hives are a type of rash with a distinctive appearance, causing raised, flat welts on the skin. The welts will usually appear quickly, either in one specific area or across a larger part of the body.

In lighter skin tones, hives are often red. In darker skin tones, they may be red, purple, or a similar color to the rest of the skin. Other characteristics of hives include:

• itchiness
• a bumpy, but not blistered, texture
• blanching, which means the center of the hive loses its color when a person presses it

There are many types of rash, and some have similar symptoms to hives. Here are some examples.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis, or eczema, is inflammation of the skin. It causes a dry, scaly, itchy rash. If the dryness is severe, a person’s skin may crack or bleed.

There are several types of dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that often appears in childhood and can last for any length of time. It may come and go over a person’s lifetime.

Similarly to hives, contact dermatitis occurs upon exposure to an allergen or irritant, such as poison ivy. It can also look similar to hives. However, contact dermatitis often lasts longer and may take 14–28 days to resolve. This condition also causes bumps that are more like blisters and may be more painful than itchy.

Heat rash

A heat rash, or miliaria, is a prickly-feeling rash that occurs when a person gets hot. It can develop after being outside in hot weather, after getting sweaty, or when a person has a fever.

The rash itself consists of blocked sweat ducts in the skin, which causes tiny bumps. Heat rash only affects the area where the sweat ducts are blocked — it will not spread.

In some cases, people may have a heat rash as well as heat exhaustion from getting too hot. However, it can also appear on its own. It usually resolves in a few days.

Insect bites

The symptoms of insect bites can vary depending on the insect. However, they often cause a small bump or area of swelling around the bite. It may be red, pink, or flesh-colored.

Many insect bites get better on their own. However, people should seek medical care if the swelling spreads, has visible streaks, or becomes very painful.

People can be allergic to some insect bites. This may cause hives in addition to the bite itself. This is not necessarily a cause for concern, but less commonly, it can be an early sign of anaphylaxis.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection in the deeper layers of the skin. It can become serious if it spreads. The symptoms include:

• an inflamed, swollen area of the skin
• tenderness to the touch
• noticeable warmth
• blistering
• swollen glands

The infection can begin if bacteria get into the skin due to an injury or another type of rash. For example, it may occur as a complication of an insect bite, cut, or broken skin due to eczema.

Cellulitis requires treatment with antibiotics.

A rash may be hives rather than another type of rash if the welts:

• appear shortly after exposure to a trigger
• affect a well-defined area of the skin, although this area may change shape or move around
• do not cause blistering, flaking, or broken skin
• change color when a person presses them or rolls a glass against the skin
• are itchy — although many rashes cause itchiness, not all do

In many cases, hives occur due to an allergic reaction. A person may have an allergy to:

• specific foods
• insect bites or stings
• medications
• pet dander
• pollen or plants
• latex

People can also experience physical hives, which is when pressure, heat, or cold trigger hives. Triggers may include:

• scratching
• rubbing
• constrictive clothing
• changes in temperature
• being too hot
• sun exposure

Sometimes, people develop chronic hives, which persist for at least 6 weeks. Chronic hives may occur alongside an autoimmune disorder, but often, the cause is unclear. It usually gets better on its own over time, but this can take years. On average, the condition lasts 3–5 years.

Acute or short-term hives usually resolve within 24 hours, with or without treatment. People may find it helpful to apply a cool compress to ease itchiness or to take an antihistamine if they have allergies.

If the hives are more severe, a person may need an oral corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. However, if the hives are chronic, they may not respond to the drugs doctors commonly recommend.

Treatment for chronic hives aims to manage symptoms and avoid triggers. A doctor may suggest:

• a second-generation antihistamine
• monoclonal antibodies, such as omalizumab
• ciclosporin, if the previous treatments do not help

A person should speak with a doctor about any unusual or persistent rash that appears without a known cause. Other conditions can look similar to hives and may require treatment.

People should also contact a doctor promptly if a person experiences:

• persistent hives that keep returning
• a rash that is painful or bleeds
• symptoms of infection, such as swollen skin, pus, fever, or feeling generally unwell

A person should call 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department if someone develops:

• a rash that starts suddenly, spreads rapidly, or covers a large area of the body
• a rash following a bite or sting, along with severe pain, twitching, tingling, numbness, or other concerning symptoms
• a rash that does not disappear under a glass, particularly if the person also has:
  • a sudden headache
  • stiff neck
  • sensitivity to light
  • nausea or vomiting
  • confusion or drowsiness

People should call 911 if someone has any symptoms that could indicate anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing. People should also seek emergency care if they come into contact with an allergen that previously led to anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:

• hives
• swelling of the face or mouth
• wheezing
• fast, shallow breathing
• a fast heart rate
• clammy skin
• anxiety or confusion
• dizziness
• vomiting
• blue or white lips
• fainting or loss of consciousness

If someone has these symptoms:

1. Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
2. Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
3. Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
4. Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.

Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.

Was this helpful?

Hives can look and behave differently than other types of rash. They cause flat, raised welts on the skin that can appear and disappear quickly. Unlike other rashes, hives are typically smooth and do not cause dryness, peeling, or flaking.

If a person is unsure what is causing their rash, they should seek advice from a medical professional. Trying to self-diagnose is risky and may mean a person does not get the treatment they need.

People who frequently develop hives, a rash that does not go away, or other concerning symptoms should contact a doctor.

Hives vs. rash: Pictures, differences, and symptoms

Hives are a type of rash that cause itchy welts on the skin. People can tell them apart from other rashes by their smooth, raised appearance and how they usually appear quickly and resolve on their own within 24 hours.

Unlike other rashes, hives generally do not come with dryness, peeling, or flaking. They also do not typically leave lasting marks on the skin.

Hives are not dangerous in themselves, but sometimes, they are the first sign of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. A person should call emergency services immediately if someone develops swelling in the mouth and airways, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

Read on to learn more about the differences between hives versus other rashes.

Hives are a type of rash with a distinctive appearance, causing raised, flat welts on the skin. The welts will usually appear quickly, either in one specific area or across a larger part of the body.

In lighter skin tones, hives are often red. In darker skin tones, they may be red, purple, or a similar color to the rest of the skin. Other characteristics of hives include:

• itchiness
• a bumpy, but not blistered, texture
• blanching, which means the center of the hive loses its color when a person presses it

There are many types of rash, and some have similar symptoms to hives. Here are some examples.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis, or eczema, is inflammation of the skin. It causes a dry, scaly, itchy rash. If the dryness is severe, a person’s skin may crack or bleed.

There are several types of dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that often appears in childhood and can last for any length of time. It may come and go over a person’s lifetime.

Similarly to hives, contact dermatitis occurs upon exposure to an allergen or irritant, such as poison ivy. It can also look similar to hives. However, contact dermatitis often lasts longer and may take 14–28 days to resolve. This condition also causes bumps that are more like blisters and may be more painful than itchy.

Heat rash

A heat rash, or miliaria, is a prickly-feeling rash that occurs when a person gets hot. It can develop after being outside in hot weather, after getting sweaty, or when a person has a fever.

The rash itself consists of blocked sweat ducts in the skin, which causes tiny bumps. Heat rash only affects the area where the sweat ducts are blocked — it will not spread.

In some cases, people may have a heat rash as well as heat exhaustion from getting too hot. However, it can also appear on its own. It usually resolves in a few days.

Insect bites

The symptoms of insect bites can vary depending on the insect. However, they often cause a small bump or area of swelling around the bite. It may be red, pink, or flesh-colored.

Many insect bites get better on their own. However, people should seek medical care if the swelling spreads, has visible streaks, or becomes very painful.

People can be allergic to some insect bites. This may cause hives in addition to the bite itself. This is not necessarily a cause for concern, but less commonly, it can be an early sign of anaphylaxis.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection in the deeper layers of the skin. It can become serious if it spreads. The symptoms include:

• an inflamed, swollen area of the skin
• tenderness to the touch
• noticeable warmth
• blistering
• swollen glands

The infection can begin if bacteria get into the skin due to an injury or another type of rash. For example, it may occur as a complication of an insect bite, cut, or broken skin due to eczema.

Cellulitis requires treatment with antibiotics.

A rash may be hives rather than another type of rash if the welts:

• appear shortly after exposure to a trigger
• affect a well-defined area of the skin, although this area may change shape or move around
• do not cause blistering, flaking, or broken skin
• change color when a person presses them or rolls a glass against the skin
• are itchy — although many rashes cause itchiness, not all do

In many cases, hives occur due to an allergic reaction. A person may have an allergy to:

• specific foods
• insect bites or stings
• medications
• pet dander
• pollen or plants
• latex

People can also experience physical hives, which is when pressure, heat, or cold trigger hives. Triggers may include:

• scratching
• rubbing
• constrictive clothing
• changes in temperature
• being too hot
• sun exposure

Sometimes, people develop chronic hives, which persist for at least 6 weeks. Chronic hives may occur alongside an autoimmune disorder, but often, the cause is unclear. It usually gets better on its own over time, but this can take years. On average, the condition lasts 3–5 years.

Acute or short-term hives usually resolve within 24 hours, with or without treatment. People may find it helpful to apply a cool compress to ease itchiness or to take an antihistamine if they have allergies.

If the hives are more severe, a person may need an oral corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. However, if the hives are chronic, they may not respond to the drugs doctors commonly recommend.

Treatment for chronic hives aims to manage symptoms and avoid triggers. A doctor may suggest:

• a second-generation antihistamine
• monoclonal antibodies, such as omalizumab
• ciclosporin, if the previous treatments do not help

A person should speak with a doctor about any unusual or persistent rash that appears without a known cause. Other conditions can look similar to hives and may require treatment.

People should also contact a doctor promptly if a person experiences:

• persistent hives that keep returning
• a rash that is painful or bleeds
• symptoms of infection, such as swollen skin, pus, fever, or feeling generally unwell

A person should call 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department if someone develops:

• a rash that starts suddenly, spreads rapidly, or covers a large area of the body
• a rash following a bite or sting, along with severe pain, twitching, tingling, numbness, or other concerning symptoms
• a rash that does not disappear under a glass, particularly if the person also has:
  • a sudden headache
  • stiff neck
  • sensitivity to light
  • nausea or vomiting
  • confusion or drowsiness

People should call 911 if someone has any symptoms that could indicate anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing. People should also seek emergency care if they come into contact with an allergen that previously led to anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:

• hives
• swelling of the face or mouth
• wheezing
• fast, shallow breathing
• a fast heart rate
• clammy skin
• anxiety or confusion
• dizziness
• vomiting
• blue or white lips
• fainting or loss of consciousness

If someone has these symptoms:

1. Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
2. Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
3. Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
4. Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.

Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.

Was this helpful?

Hives can look and behave differently than other types of rash. They cause flat, raised welts on the skin that can appear and disappear quickly. Unlike other rashes, hives are typically smooth and do not cause dryness, peeling, or flaking.

If a person is unsure what is causing their rash, they should seek advice from a medical professional. Trying to self-diagnose is risky and may mean a person does not get the treatment they need.

People who frequently develop hives, a rash that does not go away, or other concerning symptoms should contact a doctor.

Hive monitoring and open project / Habr

Hello everyone! 5 days have passed since the previous article on the topic of “smart hive”. As they say, I thought and googled a lot. A few years ago there was no such hype in the field of beekeeping. Now a whole wave has risen – it seems that everyone is engaged in the Internet of bees – from schoolchildren, students to serious IT giants.

But this wave is broken by the pragmatism of the beekeeping industry.

As a result, we see smiling young faces sometimes against the background of beehives, even less often with bees, winning start-up competitions, and a year later – silence. All this prompted me to think about the need to create an open project in the field of beekeeping (moreover, in the broadest sense of the word – not only “hang the hive with sensors” – but also build, populate, etc. – up to obtaining honey).

For one person may lose interest, go into business, but the community will remain and develop!

Under the cut, a fairly well-formed concept of a simple monitoring system is already underway. How to make an open project out of all this is a task with many unknowns.

First, let’s decide what to monitor?

In my opinion, weight sensors are expensive, but they have their place.

Basic parameters – temperature and humidity, plus bee buzz analysis.

I want to dwell on the latter in more detail, because it is the spectrum that is needed, and not the noise level.
A year ago, the news about an application that analyzed the buzzing of the hive caused a smile.

In fact, this characteristic can tell a lot, even about the filling of combs with honey.
If approached rudely, the beekeeper puts a “seed” in the hive – an empty frame with a “flat” sheet of honeycomb.

Next, the bees complete the cells and use them for their own tasks – storing honey or raising offspring. But even if the beekeeper puts frames with already built combs (for example, a honey extraction field), then even in the process of sealing the cells, the space between the frames decreases – the sound spectrum changes. Not to mention the “singing” of the queen, the sound of the family in her absence and during the release of the swarm.

This is what the sound spectrum of a hive looks like. Programmatically, I would select three peaks, and monitor the frequency and intensity of each peak. Total, 6 bytes. Plus one each for temperature and humidity – eight.

And you know, standard network equipment monitoring systems may well be suitable for this purpose – Cacti / Zabbix / Icinga – they just use native and familiar databases ;-), although RRDTool can be even better.

In such cases, for simplicity and accessibility of system assembly, it is advisable to use only ESP8266 + DHT11 (humidity and temperature) + analog sound sensor.
Once every 15 minutes, wake up the MK, measure 3 parameters, turn on WIFI – send 8 bytes – and sleep on.

Without further ado, you can finish the ARDUINO FFT library – Fast Fourier Transform.

It remains to come up with something with 18650 battery discharge control.

Thus, any standard hosting, forum page and publications on WordPress, Muscle/MariaDB and Zabbix are enough to start an open project.

Although, maybe I’m wrong about something, then correct me!

Hygiene and disinfection | LLC “Lyson Rus”

A bee family is an organism perfectly organized in all respects, capable of overcoming various crisis situations. Bees cope with periodic food shortages, as they accumulate large reserves. They are able to survive a long and cold winter, despite the fact that one bee can only survive at a positive temperature.

Paradise for pathogens

And I must admit that it is not easy for them. The environment of the bee nest creates ideal conditions for the development of all organisms, both those that would be neutral to the mistresses of the hives, and those hostile, causing dangerous diseases that can end in the death of the whole family.

A lot of very valuable and easily accessible food is stored in the hive throughout the year, in which various organisms can develop. In addition, it is warm in the bee nest, and the temperature exceeding 30 ° C is maintained not only in the warm months, but also in winter. Even when the bees are not caring for the brood, the temperature in winter does not fall below 20°C.

Not only parts of the bee nest are a favorable environment for pathogens, but also the organisms of the bees. A bee is a living being and in its elements, on equipment that comes into contact with insects and their products, including in a technical room where honey and pollen are extracted and wax is processed, pathogens can appear. To eliminate spore forms of pathogenic microorganisms, we carry out disinfection procedures. Beekeepers, thinking about disinfection, most often use the concept of disinfection, which is not entirely correct. Decontamination procedures are divided into three elements: sanitization, disinfection and sterilization.

Thus, the concept of decontamination is usually used in the context of sterilization, because we want to eliminate the spore forms that cause the most dangerous diseases of bees.

Most often, preventive disinfection of hives and equipment in the apiary and indoors is carried out when the bees are healthy and we do not want any disease to appear in our farm. I have to admit that many beekeepers are pretty careful about this.

We carefully disinfect used hives before the next settlement, especially if they come from someone else’s apiary. The canon of beekeeping works includes the replacement and sterilization of the bottoms before the first spring flight.

Some beekeepers routinely move entire colonies to disinfected or even new hives every two years or even every year, and thoroughly clean (disinfect) and sterilize empty hives.

After cutting the combs, the frames are cleaned of propolis and wax residues, then sterilized by boiling them in an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. Thorough decontamination of the equipment used to collect honey, as well as the entire technical room, has become the norm.

This requirement stems not only from the beekeeper’s obvious hygienic concern, but also from the Ordinance on the conditions to be observed when receiving products for direct sale.

Physical and chemical methods are used for disinfection. Those first are the use of high temperature in firing, boiling and heating under pressure, and the use of ultraviolet rays in exposing disinfected equipment to sunlight.

Chemical disinfection methods are the treatment of equipment with substances that destroy microbes. The current recommendation is to use an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite at a concentration of 1.5%, although beekeepers continue to use the aforementioned sodium hydroxide in various concentrations in large quantities – 2% aqueous solution is used to disinfect hives and equipment, 1% for hands and 4% for frames. . After using hydroxide, equipment should be rinsed with vinegar and water. In turn, for equipment in the technical room, the chemical industry offers a variety of cleaners and disinfectants with a certificate for use in food production. They are available at most beekeeping stores.

When the disease comes

When the disease appears, the current decontamination is carried out. To destroy microbes in the habitat of insects, we carry out it on equipment, tools and in bee products. Hives and their elements are also disinfected or eliminated, and equipment and tools are sterilized.

The apiary is also subject to disinfection. Similar procedures are performed during the final disinfection, after the end of the disease period. With regard to the decontamination of beekeeping equipment in the case of the most dangerous bacterial brood disease, which is American Rot (malignant), the procedure is presented in the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of July 27, 2016. For hives, two methods of cleaning are recommended. They can be processed with a gas burner or burned with straw in a wooden beehive until the walls darken. It is also possible to singe wooden and metal equipment (locks, feeders, ceilings). The second way is to clean the hives with a biocide containing sodium hypochlorite, and immerse the equipment in the preparation for 20 minutes. In the same way, you can disinfect the elements of multi-hull hives. Another way to fight worms is to treat the honeycombs with sulfur dioxide. It destroys adults, caterpillars, pupae, as well as mold and mites that feed on bee pollen. Sulfur dioxide is obtained by burning sublimated sulfur. Sulfation can only be carried out indoors, burning from 50 to 100 g of sulfur per 1 m³ of storage.