The burning sensation of a beesting can be stopped by rubbing the affected area with soap. This is because

A honeybee sting is fundamentally acidic in nature, with a pH ranging between 5.0 and 5.5 [1]. The venom contains various components, including methanoic acid (formic acid), which causes significant pain and irritation upon injection into the skin [2]. To alleviate this burning sensation, a chemical neutralization reaction is required. Soap is a sodium or potassium salt of long-chain carboxylic acids produced through saponification, a process involving the treatment of esters with an alkali like sodium hydroxide [3]. Because soap is inherently alkaline (basic), it acts to neutralize the acidic venom of the bee sting [1]. This neutralization reaction reduces the irritation caused by the acid. In contrast, wasp stings are often neutral or slightly alkaline, requiring different treatment such as vinegar. Therefore, the use of soap specifically targets the acidic profile of bee venom to provide relief.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Self defence by animals and plants through chemical warfare > p. 27
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > Table 2.3 Some naturally occurring acids > p. 28
3. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > CH COOH CH CH OH CH C C CH CH H O 3 3 2 3 2 3 2 Acid O (E - + - - - - - + thanoic acid) (Ethanol) (Ester) O > p. 73