How Long Does A Bee Sting Itch Last & When To Worry About It?

Last Updated on November 10, 2023

You may experience a bee sting when engaging in any outdoor activity, leading to complications such as pain, swelling, and, more importantly, itching.

It’s normal for itching to occur for a short time. Still, when it persists for an extended period, you may ask yourself, ‘How long does a bee sting itch last?’ and when to be concerned about it (if at all!).

A stung area requires proper care, as leaving it untreated may lead to several complications over time.

Moreover, the itching caused by a sting can result in severe irritation, something you definitely don’t want to happen to your skin.

How long does a bee sting itch last, and when to worry about it?

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A typical bee sting can last 1 – 2 hours or possibly 1 – 2 days. However, sometimes, you may experience complications for over a week. The duration usually depends upon the following criteria.

What kind of bee stung you?
How many times you’ve been stung in the same area?
How quickly did you take action after being stung by a bee?

When a bee stings, it leaves venom on the skin, containing a mixture of peptides, proteins, and other compounds. As a result, we endure itching, soreness, and swelling.

The sting that causes you pain is melittin – a toxin that interferes with the cell membrane and releases histamine.

When should I worry about a bee sting?

Anyone can get stung by a bee, and everyone does at some point in their life. However, the real concern arises when you start experiencing complications such as pain, swelling, redness, and itchiness. If you don’t take care of this after getting stung, you may worsen your situation.

Taking immediate action within a few minutes after a bee sting is important.

Leaving the sting untreated may lead to anaphylaxis, a critical allergic reaction in the body. Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, skin rash, and severe body weakness.

Sometimes, the complications cannot be managed with self-help. In that case, consulting the issue with a medical expert is the most suitable option.

I have been stung by a bee, but there are no complications – Should I worry about it?

If the bee sting hasn’t caused pain, swelling, redness, or itchiness, there’s no need to worry.

This usually happens when a bee fails to inject its sting thoroughly into your skin.

Some measures must still be taken, such as bathing the sting area with soapy water and keeping the affected area from injury.

Bee sting still itchy after a week – what to do?

As mentioned earlier, symptoms of a bee sting may last for up to a week.

And more often than not, it’s because the victim hasn’t taken proper care and precautions after being stung, so take proper care of the sting site and visit the doctor if the pain and itching persist for an extended period.

When should I be concerned about itching after a bee sting?

As discussed earlier, it is normal to experience itching after a bee sting, and there’s no need to worry in the initial days. In the majority of the cases, the complications typically subside within a few days.

However, concern arises when the itching and pain persist for a week or more.

Therefore, if you are still facing issues following the bee sting, schedule an appointment with a medical expert and discuss all the problems you are experiencing.

Does itching skin too often cause infection?

Itching your skin too often can make it dry. Sometimes, it may tear the skin and allow bacteria and other germs to attack your body.

Due to this, the chances of scratches increase, and your skin may become more irritated and damaged.

Instead of scratching and rubbing the skin, apply essential oil to the area.

The Bottom Line

Skin itching after a bee sting is common, and almost everyone experiences it after a sting.

Itching usually lasts for at least 1–2 days. However, in some cases, it can last up to a week as well. If the itching is not under control even after a week, visit a professional medical expert to get proper itching treatment.

Moreover, take proper care of the site where you were stung. Keep it clean and protect it from scratches and other possible harm.