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Suggest Treatment For Itchy And Swollen Finger After A Bee Sting

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Posted on Mon, 21 Nov 2016
Question: Bee sting yesterday on finger. Very swollen today itchy & warm to the touch
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Unfortunately the picture is a bit dark so it is hard to see if the redenned area has an abrupt margin. My reason for discussing that is that it is sometimes hard to tell if the swelling and rash is from a local allergic reaction vs an infection (cellulitis).

Going with what is more common, it is more likely to be from an a localized allergic response. Swelling and itching would go with an allergic response. Warm to touch, particularly if it is very warm to touch, tender, and has a discrete boarder to the red area, would go more with an infection.

Treatment for this, assuming it's an allergic response, is to apply cold to it and take Benadryl (oral) 50 mg. You can apply ice/cold to the finger for up to 20 minutes every hour as needed.

If, however, it is very tender and red, soak the finger in hot water (or hold it under hot water) several times a day (such as 3-5). Heat will draw more blood and white blood cells to the area. This will not help the swelling but can nip an early soft tissue infection in the bud.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can help further.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Itchy And Swollen Finger After A Bee Sting

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Unfortunately the picture is a bit dark so it is hard to see if the redenned area has an abrupt margin. My reason for discussing that is that it is sometimes hard to tell if the swelling and rash is from a local allergic reaction vs an infection (cellulitis). Going with what is more common, it is more likely to be from an a localized allergic response. Swelling and itching would go with an allergic response. Warm to touch, particularly if it is very warm to touch, tender, and has a discrete boarder to the red area, would go more with an infection. Treatment for this, assuming it's an allergic response, is to apply cold to it and take Benadryl (oral) 50 mg. You can apply ice/cold to the finger for up to 20 minutes every hour as needed. If, however, it is very tender and red, soak the finger in hot water (or hold it under hot water) several times a day (such as 3-5). Heat will draw more blood and white blood cells to the area. This will not help the swelling but can nip an early soft tissue infection in the bud. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can help further.