How Long After Bee Sting Does Allergic Reaction Occur?

Posted on Wed, 22 Jul 2015

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

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 Answered on

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I think I have been stung by a bee. I can't see a stinger, but can't get a real good look at it. I washed area with soap and warm water, am following with cold compress. I don't believe I'm allergic to them. In the slightest chance I am; how soon would symptoms start appearing? Assuming it is just a bite anything else I need to do?
Thank you,
XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
allergy could start in minutes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

an allergic reaction (particularly the most serious ones) may start almost immediately after being stung. If you're certain that it's a bee then applying an ammonia containing solution would help. The stinger has to be removed if present.

Other measures you can take include:
- an antihistamine drug to prevent allergic reactions (particularly if you're allergic)
- tetanus vaccination if not completed within the last 10 years
- mild analgesics for the pain like paracetamol (acetaminophen) if needed. You can also apply cold packs for pain relief. Apply them for 20 minutes every 1-2 hours. Don't apply them directly on the skin. Wrap them with a towel instead.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar