A bee sting can, in rare circumstances, lead to a serious bacterial skin infection called cellulitis. The venom itself does not cause the infection; rather, the puncture wound created by the stinger provides an entry point for bacteria. This secondary infection typically occurs when the skin barrier is compromised, either by the initial trauma or by subsequent actions like scratching or improper wound care. Recognizing the difference between a normal reaction and a developing infection is important for health and safety.
What Cellulitis Is
Cellulitis is a common, yet potentially serious, bacterial infection affecting the deeper layers of the skin, specifically the dermis and the subcutaneous tissues. It is most often caused by common bacteria that live on the skin’s surface, such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. These bacteria are normally harmless but become problematic when they penetrate the protective outer layer of the skin.
The condition presents as a poorly defined area of redness, swelling, and warmth that is tender to the touch. Cellulitis requires a breach in the skin, such as a cut, scrape, or puncture wound. If left untreated, the infection can spread into the lymph nodes and bloodstream, which can lead to severe complications.
Typical Reactions to a Bee Sting
The immediate response to a bee sting is an inflammatory reaction caused by the venom injected into the skin, not by bacteria. This localized reaction is characterized by instant, sharp, burning pain. Following the pain, a small, raised welt develops with surrounding redness and mild swelling.
The swelling and pain from a typical sting usually subside within a few hours to a day or two. Some individuals experience a larger local reaction, where swelling and redness may progressively worsen over the first 24 to 48 hours. This larger reaction is still an immune response to the venom and can take up to seven days to fully resolve.
How a Sting Can Become Infected
The bee sting itself does not transmit the bacteria that cause cellulitis; the infection is always secondary. When a honeybee stings, it leaves behind a tiny puncture wound, which breaks the skin’s protective barrier. This opening provides a pathway for bacteria that colonize the skin’s surface to enter the deeper tissues.
The most common way this secondary infection occurs is through scratching the itchy sting site. Scratching with unwashed hands or fingernails introduces bacteria, including Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, directly into the compromised tissue. Attempting to squeeze or manipulate the wound can also push surface bacteria deeper into the dermis. The infection develops when these bacteria multiply and overwhelm the body’s local defenses, leading to cellulitis days after the initial sting.
Identifying and Treating Cellulitis
Identifying cellulitis involves recognizing specific symptoms that go beyond a normal inflammatory response. A reddened area that begins to spread rapidly, sometimes showing red streaks extending away from the wound, is a sign of infection. Unlike a typical sting reaction, cellulitis causes intense warmth and increasing tenderness, and the skin may appear shiny or dimpled.
Systemic symptoms, which indicate the infection is spreading, include fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes near the sting. If these signs appear, particularly more than 48 hours after the sting, immediate medical attention is necessary. Treatment for confirmed cellulitis involves a course of antibiotics, often lasting between five and 14 days.
Proper immediate care of the sting is important for prevention. If the stinger is present, remove it quickly by scraping it out with a straight edge, such as a credit card, rather than using tweezers. The area must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water to minimize surface bacteria. Avoiding scratching the itchy wound is paramount, and applying a cold compress or taking an oral antihistamine can help manage discomfort.