What to do when your hand swells after a bee sting

Remove rings, a watch and tight bracelets before swelling increases. Wash the area, use a wrapped cold pack for short intervals, raise the hand and avoid scratching or squeezing the sting site.

Venom triggers inflammation around the sting, causing redness, warmth, itching, tenderness and swelling. Puffiness can spread across the hand because the tissues are compact and fluid may track away from the exact puncture point. A large local reaction can look dramatic without causing breathing symptoms.

Swelling that becomes hotter and more painful after initially improving, especially with spreading redness, pus or fever, needs clinical assessment for possible infection. That pattern differs from an immediate allergic reaction involving areas beyond the sting.

If a stinger is visible, remove it promptly by scraping or lifting it out without delaying over the method. Clean with soap and water. Protect the skin with cloth before applying something cold, and gently move the fingers if movement is comfortable.

A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an oral antihistamine for itching or a suitable pain reliever fits your age, pregnancy status, medical conditions and other medicines. Do not cut the skin, apply a tourniquet or try to suck out venom.

Call emergency services for trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, swelling of the tongue or lips, widespread hives, faintness, confusion or collapse. Use a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector immediately if your allergy plan directs you to do so, then seek emergency help.

Seek prompt assessment if rings cannot be removed, fingers become blue, pale, cold or numb, pain is severe, movement is markedly limited, the sting is near the eye or inside the mouth, or swelling continues to worsen. Multiple stings also warrant timely medical advice.

Describe when the sting occurred, how far swelling has spread and whether you developed hives, dizziness, vomiting or breathing changes. Ask whether your reaction needs an allergy assessment, a written emergency plan or an adrenaline auto-injector. Mention any previous insect-sting reactions.