Four types of reactions to hymenopterid stings occur. Most people,
when stung, will develop swelling, redness, and pain at the site
of the sting, with a rapid onset and resolution within hours. This
reaction is expected and may be managed with ice, antihistamines,
and pain relief. More significantly, some patients may develop a
second type of reaction, known as large local reactions, which extend
beyond the site of the sting to involve the entire limb. These reactions,
with swelling, erythema, and tenderness, develop slowly, over about
48 hours, and resolve over days. Large local reactions are frequently
confused with cellulitis, but they rarely become infected and they
do not respond to antibiotic treatment.