Insect bites are a common ailment that bring people to the ER. While most insect bites are harmless, bee stings can be painful and may require medical intervention if you cannot get the stinger out or are allergic. Even if you’re not allergic, bee stings can cause discomfort for days after, including symptoms like intense itching at the sting site. This article will review common side effects of bee stings and when to seek medical care for a bee sting.
At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our walk-in clinic is available 7 days a week to provide insect bite care for patients near Waltham, MA. Our board-certified medical providers are able to provide care to patients of all ages and can provide rapid symptom relief from bee stings. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot in advance below.
What to do if You’re Stung by a Bee
If you’re stung by a bee and you have a known allergy to bee stings, you should seek immediate medical care in the emergency room. Bee stings release venom, which can trigger a severe allergic reaction for some individuals. If you are stung by a bee and have never been stung before, it is very important to remove the stinger from the sting site. Bees release their stinger into the skin after they sting you, which can result in continued venom release until the stinger is removed.
Is it Normal for Bee Stings to Itch?
Bee stings can be very painful and have symptoms that last many days after the sting. Getting the stinger out immediately is the best way to limit the extent of your reaction to the sting. However, symptoms like redness, pain, and swelling at the sting site are completely normal. In many cases, your skin will itch around the site of the sting. This is because your body releases histamines to fight the bee venom. In most cases, the itching will resolve within a few days of the sting.
Signs of an Allergic Reaction
Bee venom is a common allergen. If you’re unsure whether you’re allergic to bees or not and you get stung, you should monitor yourself closely for signs of an allergic reaction. Allergies to bee venom often cause anaphylaxis and require immediate emergency medical care. Signs you could be having an allergic reaction include:
- Hives
- Strained breathing
- Inflamed tissue in the tongue and throat
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Increased sweating
Visit AFC Waltham for Bee Sting Treatment
Bee stings are very common summer ailments. If you’re stung by a bee and having trouble getting the stinger out, or are experiencing discomfort at the sting site, AFC Urgent Care Waltham is available to help. Our clinic does not provide care for allergic reactions to bee stings, however, our medical providers can help remove bee stingers and manage discomfort during the healing process.
Our walk-in clinic is available every day from 8am to 8pm on a walk-in basis for patients near Waltham, MA. We never require patients to schedule an appointment in advance, just walk into the clinic for rapid same-day care. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer competitive rates for self-paying patients. For more information, contact the clinic directly by calling (781) 894-6900.
