Duration of Swelling and Redness from Bee or Wasp Stings
Normal swelling and redness from bee or wasp stings typically last 2-3 days but can persist up to 7 days in some individuals, with more severe reactions requiring medical attention.
Normal Reaction Timeline
The typical progression of a bee or wasp sting reaction follows this pattern:
- Immediate reaction: Pain, redness, and initial swelling occur within minutes of the sting
- Peak swelling: Usually occurs within 24-48 hours
- Resolution: Gradual improvement over 2-7 days for most people
Factors Affecting Duration
Several factors can influence how long swelling and redness persist:
Location of sting
- Stings on areas with loose tissue (face, eyelids) may show more dramatic swelling
- Hand stings may have prolonged symptoms due to limited blood circulation
Number of stings
- Multiple stings can cause more severe and prolonged reactions
- More than 30 stings can potentially cause systemic venom toxicity, especially in children 1
Individual sensitivity
- Previous sensitization may lead to stronger reactions
- Allergic individuals may experience more prolonged symptoms
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical care if:
- Swelling extends significantly beyond the sting site (e.g., entire limb)
- Symptoms persist beyond 7 days or worsen after initial improvement
- Signs of infection develop (increasing pain, warmth, pus)
- Any signs of systemic reaction occur (difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea)
Management of Local Reactions
For typical local reactions:
- Remove stinger (if present) by scraping with a flat object, not tweezers
- Clean the area with mild soap and water
- Apply cold compresses for 20 minutes several times daily to reduce swelling
- Use over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling
- Consider topical corticosteroids for persistent inflammation
- Elevate the affected area if possible to reduce swelling
Complications to Watch For
In rare cases, bee and wasp stings can lead to:
- Cellulitis or skin infections requiring antibiotics 2
- Tissue necrosis in untreated cases 3
- Multiple organ dysfunction in cases of numerous stings 4
Prevention
To prevent future stings:
- Wear protective clothing (long pants, long sleeves, closed shoes) when in areas where bees or wasps are active
- Use insect repellents containing DEET
- Avoid wearing bright colors or floral patterns outdoors
- Be cautious around flowering plants, garbage, and food outdoors
For individuals with known severe allergic reactions to stings, consider consulting an allergist about venom immunotherapy, which can be highly effective in preventing future systemic reactions 5.