Allergies, which are essentially defects in the imune system, can exhibit themselves in a broad manner. I have seen mosquito bites swell up to the size of a silver dollar on people that have incredibly poor immune systems. However, they were never effected by apis stings. If benedryl helps then it is an allergic reaction. Brian K. Cooley Environmental Consulting & Biological Services 1899 El Centro Drive Columbia, Missouri 65201 email: [log in to unmask] phone: 314-474-3941