Bee Sting Recovery: Prolonged Symptoms in Children

It has been 2 weeks and 4 days since the bee sting?

Hello Doctor: My child is 6 years old and was stung by a bee on the right cheek near the eye on March 28.
The stinger was left in the skin, which we removed ourselves.
Initially, there was significant redness and swelling.
We applied ice and visited a clinic.
After about a week of ice application and topical medication, there was some improvement, but soon the redness and swelling returned.
We went for another consultation, and this time he was prescribed oral medication along with topical treatment, which helped a bit more.
Currently, he is only using topical medication, but the wound has become deeper with a small white spot in the center.
Additionally, my child has developed hives during this time, and he is currently taking medication and applying topical treatment.
I would like to ask if the prolonged healing from the bee sting is due to his constitution, or is there another underlying issue?

Peggy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/10

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

Children's skin allergic reactions tend to be more severe and last longer compared to adults.
If there is no ongoing redness, swelling, itching, or pain, and only a darker pigmentation is present, it is likely just post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following a severe allergic reaction.
This is also more noticeable in children.
However, this condition typically fades and returns to normal gradually over the course of two to three months.

Reply Date: 2021/05/10

More Info

Bee stings can cause a range of reactions, particularly in children, and the recovery process can vary significantly from one individual to another. In your child's case, the prolonged symptoms following the bee sting may be attributed to several factors, including the body's immune response, the severity of the initial reaction, and potential secondary infections.

When a bee stings, it injects venom that can lead to immediate local reactions such as redness, swelling, and pain. The presence of the stinger can exacerbate these symptoms if not removed promptly. In your child's situation, it seems that the initial response was significant, leading to severe swelling and redness. The fact that the symptoms improved with ice and medication initially is a positive sign, indicating that the body was beginning to heal.

However, the recurrence of redness and swelling, along with the development of hives (urticaria), suggests that your child may be experiencing a more complex allergic reaction. Some individuals can develop a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to bee venom, which can manifest days or even weeks after the initial sting. This type of reaction may explain why your child is still experiencing symptoms long after the sting occurred.

The presence of a small white spot in the wound area could indicate a few things. It might be a sign of healing tissue, or it could suggest the development of a secondary infection, especially if the area has been scratched or irritated. Secondary infections can complicate the healing process and may require further medical intervention, such as antibiotics.

Given that your child is still experiencing significant symptoms, it is crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider. They may recommend further evaluation to rule out any underlying issues, such as an infection or an allergic reaction that requires more intensive treatment. Additionally, if your child has developed hives, it may be necessary to assess whether they are at risk for anaphylaxis in the future, which is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.

In terms of recovery, the duration can vary based on individual immune responses and the severity of the initial reaction. Some children may recover quickly, while others may take longer, particularly if there are complications such as infections or allergic reactions. It's essential to monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge, and to seek medical advice if these occur.

In summary, while it is not uncommon for children to experience prolonged symptoms after a bee sting, especially if there are complications, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management. They can provide guidance on the best course of action to promote healing and address any ongoing symptoms effectively.

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