"Local" Reactions to Insect Stings Are Generally Mild

A "local reaction" to an insect sting is generally characterised by a combination of, or all of, the following symptoms:

• pain
• swelling
• redness
• itching
• a wheal surrounding the puncture

A local reaction is defined as within a 10 cm (4 inch) radius of the injection point.

Local reactions are tissue reactions to the venom, which normally only travels that far. People who are allergic to the venom, however, have reactions that are further away.

A local reaction offers little risk, unless the mouth or the throat swell, making breathing difficult. Generally, in a local reaction, the body liberates fluid around the wound to flush out the venom, causing the characteristic swelling and redness. Within a day the sting should stop hurting.

If the wound starts to become more itchy, hotter, and the skin becomes inflamed spreading away from the sting site, an infection has likely set in and you should see a doctor for antibiotics.