Quick Assessment
Answer these questions — we'll tell you what to do.
When to Seek Immediate Care
Call 911 if you see any of these signs
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of tongue, lips, or throat
- Widespread hives (not just at sting site)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after sting
- Confusion or disorientation
Normal Sting Reactions
These are usually fine to manage at home
- Pain, redness, and swelling at sting site only
- Itching at and around the sting
- A small bump or welt
- Swelling that stays under 2 inches
- Symptoms that improve over hours to days
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove a bee stinger?
Scrape it out sideways with your fingernail or the edge of a credit card. Do NOT use tweezers or squeeze the stinger - this can push more venom into the skin.
Should I be worried about infection?
Infection is rare but possible. See a doctor if you notice increasing redness spreading from the site, pus, red streaks, or fever developing after 24-48 hours.
Does one bad reaction mean my child is allergic?
Not necessarily. Large local reactions (big swelling at the site) are common and do not predict future severe reactions. However, if your child had systemic symptoms (hives away from the sting, breathing problems, dizziness), talk to your doctor about allergy testing.
How long will the swelling last?
Minor reactions resolve in hours. Large local reactions can swell for 24-48 hours and take up to a week to fully resolve. This is normal as long as symptoms stay at the sting site.
Should my child have an EpiPen?
If your child has had a severe systemic reaction (breathing problems, widespread hives, dizziness), ask your doctor about prescribing an EpiPen. Most children do not need one for normal sting reactions.
This guide is for quick reference and does not replace professional medical advice. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or go to the ER.