How long should swelling from a bee sting last?

I got stung by a bee a week ago on my middle toe. Since that time the top of my foot has been swollen and red and very itchy. I have been applying hydracortisone ointment to the area and taking Benadryl. I also as of yesterday have started soaking my foot in a solution meant to get rid of redness from rashes and insect stings. The redness has since gone away and the itching too but it is still swollen. Also my foot tends to be cold to the touch in the area of the toe involved and the upper foot. I have started to develop hives the past 2 days. Is this normal or is this an allergic reaction to the sting that requires medical attention?

Well, change location on the body to the chest, and this is an exact description of what happened to me two years ago. Finally after two weeks, when it got to the hives stage, I went to allergist who told me it was "delayed hypersensitivity reaction" to hymenoptera (mine was wasp instead of bee). She gave me a boxful of meds and a Rx for epipen. She said next time, it could definitely be worse.

If you were in my family, I would be, right away, calling the allergists in the phone book to see who could see me first. If no one can see you today, you might want to try a "doc in the box" place. This does not, unless you develop difficulty breathing, rise to the level of emergency or ER visit.

If you are getting hives that's an indicator of an allergic reaction.

well i dunno about it being an allergic reaction or not. but my dad got stung by wasps and they didnt go away so he went into the doctor and they said it could take up to 2 weeks for the bites (stings?) to clear up. so i would suggest giving it a little more time unless ur really concerned then go in to the doc

yes u need med Attn .
only it last for 24 to 72 hr
cortisone is a good oint but consult a doctor about the swell as it may be due to u r allergic to bee '
take care

Yup, you're allergic. The swelling should have gone down by now. Talk with a doctor and see what he can do for you.

Good luck!