Allergist & Immunologist Questions Allergist-Immunologist

Bee sting on head causing facial swelling at bridge of nose into eyes?

My wife got stung by a bee on the top of her head, today her face is swollen across the forehead and nose bridge and it is impairing her eyes. What can we do? Benedryl did nothing

Female | 63 years old
Complaint duration: 2 days
Conditions: Bee sting

4 Answers

If her eyes are impairing, she should see an emergency physician
TAKING SOME PRESCRIPTION STEROIDS WOULD HELP. I WOULD SAY THAT SHE SHOULD TAKE ZYRTEC 10MG- WHICH IS A ONCE A DAY ANTIHISTAMINE- AND BE SURE IT IS NOT ZYRTEC-D, AND TAKE IT DIFFERENT THAN THE BOTTLE SAYS. TAKE 2 IN THE MORNING AND 2 IN EVENING FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN AS THIS GETS BETTER DECREASE TO 1 TWICE A DAY FOR A FEW DAYS
You certainly need to see an allergist for proper testing and evaluation as well as advice on treatment. 

Monika Korff, MD
Sorry that your wife has to go through this. The good news is that it will improve. She is having a local reaction to the “venom” I assumed that the stinger was already removed.0 The venom creates swelling by a histamine reaction and capillary leakage. Ice follows by cool compress, continue the antihistamine. You could add (if there are no contraindications: Allergies, kidneys issues, etc.) NSAIDS; Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, etc. Be sure you call your doctor if symptoms persist. Symptoms will improve, it might take two to seven days (average) to completely resolve.