Bee sting allergy: What you need to know
Table of contents:
Table of contents:
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Bees tend to be too busy to sting unless provoked1 and normally you have to be stung at least twice to develop an allergy.2 The people most at risk of bee stings are beekeepers, their families and neighbours – which also puts them at greater risk of bee sting allergy.3
The UK has more than 250 types of bee, according to the Woodland Trust.4 The one that’s most likely to sting you is the honeybee.3 People with bee sting allergy have react to proteins in the venom. So far scientists have identified 12 proteins or allergens in bee stings.5
Your immune system reacts as if the venom was a bigger threat than it is and makes Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to protect you.2 This type of allergic response usually causes symptoms like swelling, redness and pain, which may spread, but it can also become a medical emergency.3
Read about the difference between a typical and an allergic bee sting, how long it takes for the allergic reaction to happen and when you should be concerned. This article also covers whether you can suddenly develop bee sting allergy and if it ever goes away. And you’ll find answers to other common questions in our FAQs at the bottom.
Normal bee sting vs an allergic reaction
Most people get some discomfort and inflammation when stung but local symptoms tend to be more widespread and intense with bee sting allergy.3 Meanwhile a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can affect any part of the body and be life-threatening.3
Once you’ve had a large local allergic reaction to insect venom, there’s a 5% to 15% chance it’ll be much worse next time you’re stung.6 That’s why it’s important to be able to recognise allergy symptoms so you can get medical advice.
Pictures of a normal reaction and an allergic bee sting
This is the usual type of reaction most people without allergy have to a bee sting. You can tell it’s from a honeybee because it has left its stinger behind.
The swelling from of a large local allergic reaction to bee venom spreads further than if you don’t have an allergy as the symptoms are more intense.
Bee sting allergy: How to spot a large local reaction
Bee sting symptoms from a large local reaction include pain, redness, itching and swelling more than 10cm around the sting site. The reaction tends to peaks after 24 to 48 hours but the effects can last for days. A sting can be dangerous it’s on your face or neck and the swelling affects your breathing.3
Let's look at the treatment for this type of allergic reaction.
What to do for local bee allergy symptoms
Quickly remove the stinger, scraping sideways with your fingernail rather than pinching it, which could push more venom under your skin. Then clean the skin and try a cold compress or ice pack to reduce the swelling and discomfort. You could also try an over-the-counter painkiller, antihistamine or corticosteroid.3
Unusually large or painful local reactions, say a swollen arm or leg, may need medical attention and a prescription.3 Always go to the doctor if the allergic bee sting redness or swelling seems to go on spreading.3
Severe allergic reactions: Bee sting anaphylaxis
Bees may be less aggressive than wasps but their venom is more likely to cause a severe allergic reaction.1 Call an ambulance if you notice any of these signs:3
- Flushed or pale skin, itching or hives7
- Swelling of the tongue or throat7
- Diarrhea, feeling or being sick7
- Drop in blood pressure7
- Weak or rapid pulse8
- Pale clammy skin8
- Narrowing of airways, which may cause wheezing and trouble breathing7
- Dizziness or fainting7
- Sense of impending doom8
An anaphylactic reaction can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention.3,7,8 Read on to learn about factors that increase the risk of anaphylaxis and how to treat it.
Treatment for severe bee allergy symptoms
A serious reaction can start minutes after being stung by a bee, which is why your doctor may prescribe an adrenaline nasal spray or auto-injector for you to use in an emergency. Adrenaline is the main medication to treat anaphylaxis.8
A single dose may not be enough so always carry two nasal sprays or auto-injectors with you and teach your family and friends to use your device. Wearing a medical alert bracelet will tell other people what kind of help you need.8
You may start to feel better after the medication but you must still go to hospital as there can be a second wave of symptoms a few hours later.8
Risk factors for a severe bee allergic reaction
Age and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of having a severe bee allergic reaction, for instance:9
- Being over 40
- Having had severe reaction in the past
- Allergic asthma
- Mastocytosis (the body produces too many mast cells, which are a part of your immune system)
- Cardiovascular disease
Does bee allergy ever go away?
Many kids do outgrow insect sting allergy but not all10 and there is a course of treatment for adults and children that may help by reducing the risk of severe allergy symptoms.10,13 Venom immunotherapy could be suitable if you’ve already had widespread hives and swelling or anaphylaxis.11
This is a form of long-term allergy relief and the goal is to retrain your immune system to react differently.2 Treatment involves repeated doses of bee venom for 3 to 5 years.3
Speak to your GP to find out if venom immunotherapy could be right for you. In the meantime, they can suggest ways to avoid bees and lower the risk of getting stung, as well as recommend medication to ease mild to moderate allergic symptoms.
Can you suddenly develop a bee allergy?
It may feel sudden but bee sting allergy doesn’t usually start the first time you’re stung.2,3 That puts your immune system on alert so you’re sensitised to the venom, which means you have specific IgE antibodies that could trigger an allergic reaction if you get another bee sting.2
Only your doctor can confirm if you’re sensitised and allergic.
Diagnosing a bee allergy
Diagnosing bee sting allergy usually involves comparing the results of a skin prick or allergy blood test with a detailed medical history. Be ready to describe any other insect sting allergies you have, as well as your most severe reaction to bee venom, which can help predict future symptoms.3,9
The type of bee is important too. If it left its stinger behind in your skin, it was probably a honeybee. They have barbed stingers while bumble bees don’t.12
If you're allergic to bees are you allergic to wasps too?
People with bee sting allergy may very rarely be allergic to wasps3 but it is relatively common to test positive for more than one venom.13 Different types of venom can contain similar proteins, which may cause a cross-reaction and allergy symptoms if you’re stung by insects other than bees.5
A component blood test is more detailed and can help to distinguish between cross-reactions and actual allergy, to bee or wasp venom.13
People also ask
Bee sting allergy is a complicated topic and you’re bound to have more questions. Read our FAQ section below to find quick answers to the most common queries.
Is there a bee allergy season?
Bee activity level is influenced by the seasons and they tend to fly about most in spring and summer so the risk of being stung is higher then.9 Cold weather restricts their movement and female worker bees usually cluster around the queen in the hive over winter.14
What happens when you get stung by a bee?
The bee injects its venom under your skin and your immune system reacts in defense, which is why you see the sore red bump.3 If you have bee sting allergy, then the immune response is more powerful as antibodies tell cells around your body to do all they can to expel the venom, causing allergic symptoms. 2,15
How long does swelling last from a bee sting?
For most people, the swelling usually lasts a few hours and then begins to settle. If you’re allergic to bee stings and develop a large local reaction, the symptoms may peak between 24 and 48 hours afterwards and takes a few days to go away.3
How long does it take to have allergic reactions to bee stings?
Bee sting anaphylaxis can happen suddenly, within minutes of the bee attacking or up to a few hours after the first reaction.3,8 Roughly 10% of people will have a large local reaction, which often peaks after 24 to 48 hours and takes days to calm down again.3
How do you remove a bee stinger?
Use a sideways scraping action with a fingernail rather than pinching the stinger so as not to squeeze the last drops of venom out under your skin.3 It takes about 20 seconds for the venom sac to empty 90% of its contents so speed is vital.16
Does the bee die after it stings you?
Honeybees have a barbed stinger, which they can’t pull out of your skin without injuring themselves so badly they die soon afterwards.12 That’s why the stinger and venom sac get left behind and you need to remove it quickly as you’ve just read.3,16
The short version
Honeybees are most prone to stinging3 and you usually have to be stung at least twice to develop an allergy to the venom.2 Most people will get local symptoms like swelling, redness and pain, which first aid and allergy medications or painkillers may be enough to ease. But bee venom can also cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which affects the whole body and can be life-threatening.3 For that reason, your doctor may prescribe adrenaline nasal sprays or auto-injector for you to use in an emergency. Venom immunotherapy aims to reduce the risk of a severe allergic reaction. It may be an option, depending on age and eligibilty.14
We’re here to help
Hope you found this article on bee sting allergy useful, whether it’s you or someone in your family that reacts to the venom. If you’ve got any questions or comments, please do send us an email. You’ll also find klarify on Facebook and Instagram if you’d like to share your allergy experiences.
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References
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GB-NPR-2500031 Sep. 2025