Encounters with insects during the summer months are just a part of summer. Although they don’t aim to hurt us, bee stings are a very common summer injury. Allergies to bee venom are very common, so it is important to understand what a normal reaction to a bee sting is and what symptoms may indicate that you’re having an allergic reaction. Keep reading to learn more about whether bee stings itch while they heal. For same-day insect sting care near Braintree, MA, walk into AFC Urgent Care Braintree. We offer walk-in care for insect stings for the whole family available 7 days a week. Simply walk into the clinic, or schedule your visit online.
Are Bee Stings Supposed to Itch?
Getting stung by a bee can be scary. Bees have barbed stingers designed to stay in the skin after a sting. These stingers release venom, even after the bee detaches from the stinger. When the bee stings you, it dies immediately, so it cannot sting you more than one time. However, in some cases, you may get stung by multiple bees if you disrupt a nest.
Bee stings are painful. It is important that if you are stung by a bee, you should remove the stinger as quickly as possible. This will stop the venom from entering your body. Bee stings are painful, however, the pain should reside within a few hours. During the healing process, it is very common for the sting site to become swollen and itchy. These symptoms should typically resolve within 48 hours.
Signs You’re Having an Allergic Reaction
Allergies to bee venom are very common and should be taken seriously. If someone is stung for the first time, it is vital that they monitor their symptoms for signs of an anaphylactic reaction. If you are allergic to bee stings, your throat can close up and it can be fatal without immediate emergency care.
Signs of an anaphylactic reaction include:
- Itchiness in the mouth
- Trouble swallowing
- Swelling in the face and around the eyes
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing
Allergic reactions to bee stings require immediate medical care. You should call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms.
Treatment For a Bee Sting
Although being stung by a bee is painful, the worst part is often the moment of getting stung. Bee stings heal very quickly and easily at home without medical treatment. Immediately after getting stung, it is important to remove the stinger from your skin. Once the stinger is removed you can clean the sting site with warm water and soap. Bee stings mostly heal on their own once the stinger is removed.
Bee stings can be uncomfortable. You can use over-the-counter medications such as Advil and topical ointments such as hydrocortisone to help relieve any pain or itching while the sting is healing. Icing the sting site can also help reduce pain and swelling.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Braintree for Same-Day Insect Bite Care in Braintree, MA
In most cases, bee stings can heal on their own and do not require medical care. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction immediately following the sting. If you cannot get the stinger out of the skin, you may require medical help to ensure that the sting doesn’t get infected. At AFC Urgent Care Braintree, our walk-in clinic is available 7 days a week to provide rapid care for injuries like insect stings and insect bites. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care!
