What is a bee sting?
A person with a bee sting has an injury to the skin caused by a bee. The skin usually contains venom from the bee. Bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants are the most common causes of venomous insect bites in the US. These insects are members of the family, Hymenoptera. These insects share similar venom that can cause severe allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis.

What are the symptoms of a bee sting?
Common symptoms of a bee sting include localized burning pain and itching. Skin redness and swelling around the sting site are common. Bee stings to the face may cause more marked swelling to the eyes and lips. Other symptoms will develop within 30 minutes if the victim has an allergy to bee stings.

How does the doctor treat a bee sting?
General care for a bee sting includes removing the stinger from the skin, skin cleansing, cold compresses, oral antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain.