Allergy to bee stings

[Suetheramble]

I am an amateur bee keeper and have had 3/4 bee stings this year the later one on the boney part of my upper wrist. As yet I have not splashed out on the hive, suit etc.
The sting on my wrist has made my hand and arm(up to my elbow) swell quite badly - more than the other stings. I know people can get resistant to stings but some also get worse. Before spending money I would like to know are the odds in favour of me building up a residence or getting worse with further stings?
Thank you
Thanks

[JonnyBoy12]

Not an expert on bees, but it could "bee" the aftershave or deodourant you are wearing. I know a few keepers who had to review what they wore, after being stung. I also know that they very rarely get arthritis!

"Bee" careful seeking private medical advice, or you may be stung!

[Clanad]

I, too, keep bees here in the U.S. I've become quite resistant to bee sting effects over the years, but I've noticed the odd Africanized bee or two hanging around the hive yard. Nothing serious yet, but enough to be only slightly alarmed. Have you seen any unusual bees or hasn't the African bee threat invaded the U.K. yet?

These bees are quite a bit more energetic and antagonisitc than our Italian hive bees. Reports indicate the stings are more severe in toxin content (as well as aggresiveness).

I keep a smoker going when I'm working the hives and, if stung, I immediately, eject several puffs of smoke in the area. This tends to lessen the warning alert given by a bee that's just stung someone (and is dying) keeping the others calmer.

Be sure to not become overly frightened while in the bee yard. They sense anxiety (probably pheremones) and makes them more readily available for stinging.

I suspect the sting on your wrist happened to be in an area the allowed the venom to quickly migrate up your arm... more so than other areas... but, admittedly, that's just a guess. At any rate... don't give up!

Best of luck!

[madmaggot]

I don't know what the odds are either way Sue but I would advise that you get yourself an adrenaline pen to carry just in case you do get anaphalactic shock. The only people that I know who have had alergic reactions to various things have all got worse with exposure, not better.
Did you hear on today's news about the farmer who died from bee stings after disturbing a nest whilst strimming?

[Suetheramble]

Thank you.