Is it Normal for a Bee Sting to Swell Up? 3 Tips for Reducing Swelling After a Bee Sting

Ever been stung by a bee? Bee stings are often avoidable, but sometimes happen by accident. If you’re stung by a bee, symptoms like pain at the sting site are very normal. However, bee stings can lead to additional symptoms, including swelling and itching. Keep reading to learn more about typical symptoms of a bee sting and some signs that you should seek emergency medical care for. 

At Priority 1 Urgent Care, our walk-in urgent care center is open every day to provide patients near Guilderland, New York, with convenient and affordable same-day treatment. We provide care for a variety of common conditions, including bee stings and insect bites. We don’t require patients to schedule an appointment in advance, just walk in when it’s convenient. You can also save a spot online in advance using the button below.

What To Do If You’re Stung By a Bee?

Bee stings can usually be avoided if you stay calm and give bees their space. If you do find yourself stung by a bee, there are a few important steps to remember. First and foremost, if you’re known to be allergic to bees, you should immediately seek emergency medical care. Some individuals are extremely allergic to bee stings. 

The next step is to remove the stinger from the sting site. Unlike other stinging insects, bees may leave their stinger in your skin after a sting. You can remove the stinger using clean hands or by sliding the edge of a credit card across the sting site to dislodge it. If you have difficulty getting the stinger out, you may need to seek medical care. Leaving the stinger in the skin can result in additional bee venom to be released into your skin, which could cause further irritation and reaction. Once the stinger is out, clean the area with soapy water. 

Typical Side Effects of Bee Stings 

If you’re stung by a bee, there are some typical side effects that you can expect. Bee stings hurt when they occur. They also typically cause some moderate swelling and redness around the sting site. Due to a local allergic response, minor swelling and itching at the sting site are both normal. These symptoms typically last for one or two days after the sting occurs. The area around the sting may be red and irritated. You can apply ice to the affected area and use over-the-counter topical products on the skin to help reduce swelling and itching.

Signs of An Allergic Reaction from a Bee Sting

Allergies to bee stings are relatively uncommon. However, if you are allergic to bee stings, you can experience a generalized reaction like anaphylaxis from a sting. If you’ve never been stung by a bee before and aren’t sure if you’re allergic, it is important to monitor yourself for signs of a worsening generalized allergic reaction. These signs can include itching and/or swelling in the face, lips, tongue, ears, and roof of the mouth, a “lump in the throat” sensation in the throat,   difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, feeling lightheaded, and passing out. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call 911 for emergency medical care. 

Visit Priority 1 Urgent Care for Same-Day Treatment for Bee Stings

Bee stings can be painful, however they heal on their own in a few days with proper care. If you’re stung by a bee and are looking for same-day care, Priority 1 Urgent Care is here to help! Our office provides affordable care for patients of all ages. We don’t require patients to schedule an appointment to receive prompt same-day care, simply walk in when it’s convenient. We work with many medical insurance providers, and welcome self-paying patients. To learn more about our clinic, visit our website or give our team a call at (518) 867-8040.