Bee Sting Infections May Require Medical Care

Bee stings can cause pain, discomfort, redness, and swelling. Most bee stings are insignificant, and they do not usually require a doctor’s care. While many stings don’t need to be treated, some may need extra attention. Bee sting infections are uncommon but may require medical care.

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In This Article:

• How Bee Stings Could Introduce Infection
• Removing the Stinger Early Is Critical
• Symptoms of Infection
• Cellulitis and Lymphangitis
• Treating an Infection

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How Bee Stings Could Introduce Infection

Though it is uncommon, a bee sting could become infected if pathogenic microbes enter the body through the wound site.  This could occur under several conditions.

The Bee Carries the Bacteria. There is no scientific data establishing to what extent bees carry bacteria. Still, as they are attracted to garbage, they may become contaminated with pathogenic microbes that could enter the body when the bee’s stinger pierces the skin.  (( Senthilkumaran, Subramanian. “Cavernous sinus thrombosis following bee sting.” International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science. 2011. July-Dec. Vol.1, No. 2. Pp: 167-168. Web. 27 March 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249853/ ))

The Victim Carries the Bacteria. It is also possible that pathogenic microbes may be present on the victim’s skin before the sting, which can enter the body when the stinger pierces the skin. (( Senthilkumaran, Subramanian. “Cavernous sinus thrombosis following bee sting.” International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science. 2011. July-Dec. Vol.1, No. 2. Pp: 167-168. Web. 27 March 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249853/ ))

The Victim Introduces the Bacteria. Bee stings are itchy!  Scratching at a bee sting can cause tears in the skin which can introduce bacteria into the system. (( Senthilkumaran, Subramanian. “Cavernous sinus thrombosis following bee sting.” International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science. 2011. July-Dec. Vol.1, No. 2. Pp: 167-168. Web. 27 March 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249853/ ))

Removing the Stinger Early Is Critical

The longer that the stinger remains pierced into the skin, the greater the risk of infection, which is why it is critical to remove the stinger immediately.

Remove the stinger by scraping the area with your fingernail or an object with a flat edge, such as a credit card.  When a honeybee stings, it is unable to extract the barbed stinger.  This stinger is torn from its body and parts of its lower half, including the venom sac, ultimately leading to the bee’s death.  This sac continues to pump the painful venom into the wound until the stinger is removed.  Never pinch, squeeze, or use tweezers to remove a stinger, as the pressure can cause more venom to enter the wound site. (( “How to Treat Bee Stings.” American Academy of Dermatology.  Web.  27 March 2020.  https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/bites/treat-bee-sting ))

Symptoms of Infection

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A bee sting can cause reactions to the skin that include redness, inflammation, and pain. These signs are also present with an infection; however, the severity is stronger.

Evidence of an infection can include increasing pain, redness, swelling, drainage of pus at the sting site, or possibly a fever. (( Berg MD, Marion. “Bee and Wasp Stings.” eMedicinehealth.com. Web 27 March 2020 https://www.emedicinehealth.com/bee_and_wasp_stings/article_em.htm#when_to_seek_medical_care_for_bee_and_wasp_stings ))  If you suspect an infection, seek immediate medical treatment.

Cellulitis and Lymphangitis

Cellulitis or lymphangitis are examples of infections that can occur if bacteria enter a break in the skin at the sting site.  (( Wright MD, Beth. “Bee and Wasp Stings.” DermNetNZ.net. Web 27 March 2020. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/bee-and-wasp-stings/ )) Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that could be potentially serious.  The infected skin looks swollen and red and is often warm and painful to the touch.  A fever may also accompany cellulitis.  Cellulitis must be diagnosed and treated early. Left untreated, it can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream becoming potentially life-threatening. (( “Cellulitis.” Mayo Clinic. Web. 27 March 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370762 ))

Lymphangitis is an infection of the lymph vessels.  It is a complication of some bacterial infections.  It is most often the result of a streptococcal infection of the skin. Symptoms of lymphangitis can include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, chills, malaise, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, throbbing pain, and red streaks from the infected area to the armpit or groin.  Prompt treatment is required. (( “Lymphangitis.” Medline Plus. US National Library of Medicine. Web. 27 March 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007296.htm ))

Treating an Infection

An infection from a bee sting is not common, but if you believe you have one or exhibit any symptoms that are common with infection, it is necessary to get medical care. An infection that is left untreated can cause several serious health problems.