But that chance is less than five percent. If you've had a large swelling then the doctor might discuss with you whether to carry any medications to help counteract reactions or an epinephrine injector to help prevent or control the systemic or life threatening reactions if they should occur. They could be immunized too.īut the main reason for immunization is usually people who've had severe allergic reactions. The majority of people will also have red, swollen and irritated skin in a diameter going out 2 or 3 inches from the location of the sting. It certainly can happen but that chance is about five percent and that's not usually considered a high enough chance to justify a whole immunization program, although in some cases it could be considered for people who are outdoor workers or gardeners or landscapers who get stung every year and have large swellings every year and require treatment every year. If required, hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can help to relieve itching, redness, and swelling Preventing Bee Sting Allergic Reactions. The appearance may resemble cellulitis but antibiotics should be avoided unless swelling increases more than 48 hours after the sting or systemic signs suggest secondary infection. Elevate the affected limb and apply a cold compress. People who've had these allergic large swellings have a fairly low chance of having the more dangerous reaction. Happy Holidays following are our holiday hours: CLOSED - Friday, DecemCLOSED - Saturday, December 25, 2021. Large local reactions commonly peak at 24-48 hours and may persist for several days. It is probably an allergy and it can happen again with future stings.īut what's the chance of having an anaphylactic reaction, a systemic reaction that is the dangerous kind of reaction, like throat swelling, trouble breathing or dizziness or unconsciousness? But if the swelling builds up over a period of 12 or 24 hours and becomes very large, meaning six to eight inches or larger, football size, or even the entire arm or leg, that's an extreme local swelling. The swelling disappears after 3 to 5 days.— - Question: If I was stung by a bee and just had local swelling, does that mean I am at high risk for a more severe reaction next time?Īnswer: Insect stings can cause swelling that is normal and some people will have larger swellings than others. Normal swelling from venom can increase for 24 hours following the sting. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen immediately for relief of pain and burning.Īntihistamine: If the sting becomes itchy, give a dose of Benadryl.Įxpected Course: Severe pain or burning at the site lasts 1 to 2 hours. This causes redness and swelling at the sting site. For persistent pain, massage with an ice cube for 10 minutes. The body responds to stings by liberating fluid from the blood to flush venom components from the area. If not available, apply aluminum-based deodorant or aīaking soda solution for 20 minutes. The treatment for insect stings is pretty much the same as for bites. Your doctor may prescribe a short course of steroid tablets to counter the inflammation. This neutralizes the venom and decreases pain and swelling. Continue with antihistamines until the swelling eases. See this biters infographic about the most common biting insects and how to prevent being bitten. Common symptoms of a bite include: skin irritation. Meat Tenderizer: Apply a meat tenderizer-water solution on a cotton ball for 20 minutes (EXCEPTION: near the eye). Insect bites will usually clear up in a day or two without any further treatment. If the stinger is below the skin surface, leave it alone. Try to Remove the Stinger (if present): Use a fingernail, credit card edge or knife edge to scrape it off. Normal bee sting and you don't think your child needs to be seen spreads beyond wrist or ankle)Ĭall Your Doctor during Weekday Office Hours If Any redness in the first 24 hours is due to venom) (NOTE: infection and cellulitis don't start until at least 24-48 hours after the sting. Sting looks infected (red streaking from the sting area, yellow drainage) Inject it into the muscle of the upper outer thighĬall Your Doctor within 24 Hours (between 9 and 4) If Give epinephrine injection if you have an anaphylactic kit or epipen (Note: anaphylaxis usually starts within 20 minutes, and always by 2 hours following a sting.) Previous severe allergic reaction to bees, yellow jackets, etc. Hoarseness, cough or tightness in the throat or chest
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