Got Bit By A Bee. Used Ice And Took Benadryl. Now Swelling And Knot Appeared. Is This Normal?

Posted on Mon, 25 Mar 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 Answered on

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : hi
i got bit by a bee yesterday on a golf course.. i didn't have swelling as i once did years ago when i was bit by something and needed to call 911 because my throat closed up, but after this sting, i pulled out stinger from neck & applied ice for 30 min and took 2 benadryl which knocked me out for 2-3 hours.....
my ? is this, today i feel fine but the place on my neck where sting was is a bit swollen & i feel like i have a pea size knot under my skin....
anything i should do for it or is this normal?
thanks - XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Tanusree Biswas (18 minutes later)

Hello,

Thanks for your query

Insect stings frequently cause an allergic reaction, the severity of which may vary from time to time and person to person.

The severest from is termed anaphylactic shock; you might have got it in the episode before.

Swelling in the site should be normal for a few days. However in certain cases oral antibiotics might be required to prevent superimposed infection.

So I suggest you visit a physician to do the needful. You can continue oral anti allergic tablets till you can see your physician.

Hope this is helpful.

I will be happy to answer any follow up queries you have.

Best Wishes,
DR.TANUSHREE BISWAS

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Tanusree Biswas (39 minutes later)

thanks for your reply
issue is i am out of the country so not sure where to see a dr
if i feel fine - should i just watch that it doesn;t get more swollen??
and if i feel fine as i do now, i assume i am ok?

Answered by Dr. Tanusree Biswas (7 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for following up.

If it is difficult to see a physician right away, you can take medications like ibuprofen and help reduce the inflammation.

If you have any topical antibiotic cream , like fusidic acid or mupirocin, you may use that twice daily as well.

If you are fine , you can observe the area for now.

If you do not have any further clarifications, you may close this and rate the answer.

Wish you good health,
DR.TANUSHREE BISWAS

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T