What should I do after I got stung by a yellow jacket and my hand has swollen up to my forearm in 16 hours?
Answer: See a doctor now! you are most likely having an allergic reaction..
Take some Benadryl or any form thereof, also called diphenhydramine. Put ice on your forearm, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. The combination of the two of these should help with the swelling. Mention this to your doctor the next time you go in to see him. You definitely have a bee allergy, and he may want to do some further testing so that you are prepared the next time you get stung. I have been keeping honey bees for several years now and i feel pretty confident about answering this one. Some form of benidryl or antihistamine will help with the itching and possibly the swelling if taken soon after the sting. You will receive lots of input about things like meat tenderizer, tobacco,baking soda an other topical treatments. they are all just wives tales. I have tried and none seam to work. the venom of a wasp is different than that of a honey bee. a honey bees venom is an irritant used to defend the hive while a wasps venom is used to kill its prey. My best advice is to not rub or scratch and let it run its course. it is normal for it to be sore for a couple of days
I have had stings itch and be sore for as little as a few minuets or as long as a weak.
Your definitely having an allergic reaction. you should go to the hospital right away.