To save people misery from multiple bee stings, let me repeat my experience
that Benydry, or a generic equivalent, will reduce the swelling and redness
-- even make hives go away to the point of regaining comfort. As a new
beekeeper, after an experiencing an outbreak of hives, I was almost
immediately back to no gloves/always a veil almost immediately.
 
Benedryl reduced the discomfort of bee stings, so again I am taking it all
in stride. Garth mentioned in a private email that when he reached a certain
number of stings, additional stings beyond that wouldn't worsen his reaction.
 
 
Anaphylactic shock is a very different issue. From what I understand, you
don't gain sensativity to the point of going Anaphylactic.
 
My big suggestion especially for beginning beekeepers -- do yourself the
favor or reducing the reaction and discomfort by taking Benedryl when stung
if you have a reaction. There is nothing heroic about suffering. I have been
stung several times since my hives outbreak and I have only suffered swelling
once from a very good sting. I continue to work my way towards the 200+
stings per year for several years to gain my lessened reaction.
 
My bee mentor made the comment that it was the person stung only 10 times a
year that has the biggest problem.
 
Reduce your reaction,
[log in to unmask]