oh god bees

[pauraque_bk]

So, like a week ago, I stepped on some kind of bug that stung me, maybe a bee or a yellowjacket, not sure, I never got a look at it. It hurt and swelled up a little, and then after a couple days it was fine. Now suddenly it's all swollen up again? The hell? Why would that happen after it seemed to get better? Is there a stinging insect expert in the house?

This entry was originally posted at http://pauraque.dreamwidth.org/24041.html. Comment here or there.

Comments

[asphodeline.livejournal.com]

I k now about bee stings - British honey bees - and that doesn't sound typical. There is a danger with bees if the sting isn't properly or completely removed that more venom gets into the sting but that doesn't explain the break. Only other thing I can think is that something else (washing powder, clothing fibres?) has irritated it. Worth having someone look at it for you.

You know about putting bicarb on bee stings?? (only if you are certain it was a bee however).

[pauraque]

I'm not sure it was a bee. I was walking across some grass without my glasses on and something stung me, but by the time I could see anything, whatever it was was long gone. I couldn't see a stinger or anything, it just hurt a lot. What would happen if I put bicarb on it and it wasn't a bee sting? :P

[asphodeline.livejournal.com]

It could really be anything on that basis - and no doubt more exotic than we have here!! No harm putting bicarb on if not a bee sting - I've just checked with biologist husband!!!! It's worth trying it but if it doesn't improve and definitely if it gets worse, seek medical help.

Poor you.

[silverr.livejournal.com]

As I commented in DW, if it's suddenly become swollen and red, I'd second the "foreign matter has caused a secondary infection" theory.

I don't know where you're located, but if there appears to be a "pin hole" at the bite location, daub some Tiger Balm, campho-phenique, or Vick's Vapor Rub on the spot (anything with camphor in it).

[alchemine.livejournal.com]

Probably the sting is infected. I'd soak it really well in hot water, then cover it with some antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin) and a bandage. If it's not better in a couple of days, or if you notice red streaks or oozing, go to the doctor. TC got an infected insect bite at camp last year and ended up needing antibiotics to get rid of it.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_hannelore/]

For a moment I thought this was going to be a Secret World post. D:

[amanuensis1.livejournal.com]

This is totally common in some insect bites like bee stings--symptoms get better quickly, then, a few days later you suddenly get symptomatic again--swollen, itchy, all that. My suggestion is to put some ice on it, but if it's looking worse rather than better in another day or so, do have it checked out.