bee sting experts.... come on in UPDAT OP

Have you taken Benadryl? If not, do so ASAP. If you haven’t had a full on anaphylactic reaction by now, you probably won’t. But definitely be alert. This happens to me when I get stung. The doctor might be able to give you a steroid shot to help if you’re open to that...

Beekeeper here.

Sorry, but that looks normal to me! The worst of it usually last 3-4 days but the itching could last a couple of weeks.

Antihistamines, ice to soothe the itching...sadly you kind of just have to ride it out.

I’m allergic to bee stings. To me this looks like a normal reaction to a sting as opposed to an allergic response. I was stung on my shoulder a couple years ago, and the reaction was up my neck into my scalp, all the way down the arm, and around the front of my chest. Hives, swelling, redness and pain. Even that reaction is primarily treated with Benadryl although I have used steroids to bring the inflammation down at times. I don’t have an anaphylactic reaction so I have never used epinephrine for a bee sting.

I would dose up with benadryl or use another oral antihistamine and topical benadryl if oral benadryl is too sedating for you.

Agree.
You don't "need" to take antihistamines, but you can take tablets or apply antihistamine cream to give symptomatic relief from the itch and swelling.
If you have hydrocortisone cream you can apply that instead.
For pain - simple OTC analgesia.
Ice/cold compresses will also help to reduce itch/swelling/pain also

Everything will get worse and reach it's peak at around 24hrs then it will slowly start to improve - over the next 3-5 days.
Do NOT scratch it, the skin is already swollen and irritated, scratching it risks breaking the skin and introducing bacteria leading to an infection. Do not put a whole bunch of ridiculous old wives' tale remedies on it (listerine/bleach/toothpaste etc etc) - no matter what people tell you, all that crap doesn't work and will just further irritate and dry the skin and increase the chances of infection.

You need to go to ER/call an ambulance if you get swelling of the lips, mouth/tongue or have any trouble breathing, if you start vomiting or get so dizzy you are unable to stand up.
If there are signs of infection, massive swelling (the limb is twice the normal size) red streak running up from the bite, if you have a fever, there is pus present etc...then you need to see a doctor to assess if you need antibiotics.

Is the stinger out?

Keep your photos and discuss with your doctor at your next visit.

Another highly allergic to bees (and all stinging insects) pea. I carry an epi pen too.

I was scratched by one Friday and had hives on my scalp, face, neck, chest, and back. Still have hives on my scalp and face.

Thank goodness I wasn't stung. Booger got caught in my hair and as it was wiggling got my scalp. When it fell out I checked and the stinger was still there.