As the weather gets warmer and flowers begin to bloom, bees emerge from their winter hibernation. Bees are essential to our ecosystem, and from their incredible pollination abilities, plants are able to grow and thrive. 

But, if you’re outside and happen to find yourself too close to a bee, there’s always the potential of being stung. While most people will only experience mild discomfort when stung by a bee, severe allergic reactions may occur. 

What happens when you’ve been stung by a bee? USA TODAY spoke with an allergy and immunology physician to break down everything you need to know. 

What does a bee sting look like?

There are over 20,000 bee species in the world. While not all bees sting, honeybees, carpenter bees and bumblebees are among bee species that can sting. 

The most immediate indication that you’ve been stung by a bee is a sharp burning pain at the point of contact, says Dr. Payel Gupta, MD, the medical director of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at LifeMD, assistant clinical professor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital.  

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Within a short period of time, you’ll begin to experience swelling, redness, itching and a warm sensation around the area of the sting, Gupta says. A small white spot may appear where the stinger punched through the skin, she adds. 

In comparison to other bee species, the sting of a honeybee leaves behind a barbed stinger. This typically becomes visible once the swelling of the sting has subsided, Gupta says. 

How long do bee stings last?

The duration of a bee sting varies. Within a few hours, most of your symptoms will dissipate. However, it may take a few days for swelling and redness to subside. For the wound to completely heal, it can take anywhere between seven to 10 days, according to WebMD. 

“It really just depends on the amount of swelling and redness,” Gupta says. If you experience itching, you’ll want to try your best not to touch the affected area, “because the more you rub it, the more you touch it, the worse the swelling is [going to] get,” she says.

When to worry about a bee sting?

It’s estimated that 2 million people in the United States suffer allergic reactions from bee stings, according to Boston Children’s Hospital. During an allergic reaction to a bee sting, anaphylaxis may occur, Gupta says. 

Anaphylaxis resulting from a bee sting can happen within seconds to minutes, according to Mayo Clinic. The symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include:

• Hives that spread beyond the sting site
• Swelling of the face, tongue, lips and eyes
• Breathing difficulties
• Tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting

If left untreated, anaphylaxis can be fatal, Gupta says. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is imperative that you call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

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