What should I do about hand swelling after a bee sting?

Local swelling, itching, redness, and tenderness can spread around the sting site before settling. Swelling that extends rapidly, hives away from the hand, throat tightness, wheezing, dizziness, vomiting, or faintness can indicate a severe allergic reaction. A retained stinger may continue releasing venom, so look closely at the skin without squeezing the area. Increasing warmth, pus, fever, or worsening pain later can suggest infection rather than a simple local response.

Move away from the insect and remove rings immediately. If a stinger is visible, scrape it away gently with a flat edge; avoid squeezing it. Wash the area with soap and water, then apply a cool pack wrapped in cloth and keep the hand raised. Follow the label or a pharmacist's advice for suitable symptom relief. If you have a prescribed emergency allergy injector and signs of a severe reaction appear, use it as directed and call emergency services.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, confusion, or hives with symptoms in more than one body area. Seek prompt care if swelling is rapidly worsening, the sting is in the mouth or throat, there were multiple stings, or you have a history of severe reactions. Arrange review for spreading redness, pus, fever, or pain that keeps worsening.

Was my reaction limited to the hand or did it involve other systems? Do I need an allergy plan or emergency medication? Which symptoms should make me call for help next time?