My son stepped on something in the yard and his foot is swelling up so fast. He is crying in pain and I don’t know if I should extract the stinger myself or rush to urgent care. What is this? — Page 4

3. Classic Symptoms of a Bee Sting (And What’s Normal Swelling)

A typical bee sting will cause immediate sharp pain at the site, followed by a red welt and slight swelling. The area may feel warm to the touch and itchiness can develop. Normal swelling is usually limited to the site of the sting and can spread up to 2 inches in diameter.

If the swelling extends beyond this or if your child begins to feel systemic effects like nausea, fatigue, or hives away from the sting site, it could indicate a more severe reaction. Monitoring the symptoms and their progression is key to determining the next steps.

4. Red-Flag Signs You Must Call 911 or Go to the ER

Seek emergency medical help if your child shows signs of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, or a rapid pulse. Other warning signs include large areas of swelling, even if distant from the sting, or any involvement of the facial area.

If your child has a known allergy to insect stings and carries an epinephrine auto-injector, administer it according to the instructions and call 911. Quick action in these cases can be life-saving.