When to worry about facial swelling after insect bites and stings

A local reaction can cause redness, warmth, itching, and swelling around a bite or sting. On the face, even a local response can become uncomfortable because tissues around the eyes and mouth are sensitive. A more serious allergic reaction may add hives away from the bite, voice change, wheezing, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness. Increasing tenderness, pus, fever, or redness spreading beyond the original area may point to infection instead.

Move away from the insect and remove a visible bee stinger by gently scraping it away; avoid squeezing it. Wash the area, apply a wrapped cool pack, and avoid scratching. If you have a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector and develop emergency symptoms, use it according to your plan and call emergency services. Do not place unrecommended chemicals or household remedies on broken skin.

Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, throat tightness, tongue or mouth swelling, faintness, confusion, widespread hives with weakness, or repeated vomiting. Obtain prompt medical assessment if swelling is rapidly enlarging, the eye cannot open, vision changes, pain becomes severe, or fever and spreading redness develop. A sting inside the mouth also needs urgent attention because swelling can threaten the airway.

Ask whether your reaction looks local, allergic, or infected, and which treatments are suitable for you. Share the insect if known, the time of the bite or sting, how fast swelling changed, any previous reactions, and whether an emergency allergy plan or auto-injector is needed.