<human>: i was stung by a bee and got the stinger out my hand swelled and now a day later there s some red blotchy line going up my arm to elbow but not sure if it s related can you get blood poising from a sting? what should i do. i m early 30s and very active and have had swollen stings from yellowjackets before
<bot>: Hi, Thanks for posting in Chat Doctor. It is unfortunate to note that you got stung by bees. Swelling and redness at the site of sting is mainly due to allergic reaction. You will not get blood poisoning by bee sting. So you don't have to worry. All you need to do is the following: 1. Remove the Stinger by scraping the area carefully by using tweezers to remove it. Don't pinch the stinger as it can inject more venom.2. Control Swelling by applying ice the area and keep elevated the part if it is on hand or leg.3. Treat Symptoms pain, you can take acetaminophen with ibuprofen combination. For itchiness, take an antihistamine like chlorpheniramine male ate or Cetirizine. You can also apply calamine lotion. It might take 2-5 days for the area to heal. Keep it clean to prevent the area from infection. Hope the information provided would be useful. Wish you good health and speedy recovery.