For example, a sting on the forearm could result in the entire arm swelling twice its normal size. Although alarming in appearance, this condition is often treated the same as a normal reaction. An unusually painful or very large local reaction may need medical attention. Because this condition may persist for two to three days, antihistamines and corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed to lessen the discomfort. Fire ants, yellow jackets, hornets and wasps can sting repeatedly.
Honeybees have barbed stingers that are left behind in their victim's skin.
These stingers are best removed by a scraping action, rather than a pulling motion which may actually squeeze more venom into the skin. Almost all people stung by fire ants develop an itchy, localized hive or lump at the sting site, which usually subsides within 30 to 60 minutes. This is followed by a small blister within four hours. This usually appears to become filled with pus by 8 to 24 hours. However, the material seen is really dead tissue and the blister has little chance of being infected unless it is opened.