My reaction to bee stings is changing?

[guitarstitch]

Stings for me can have a variety of effects, depending on where I get hit.  Facial stings hurt like blunt force trauma for several hours, but rarely cause extreme swelling.  Getting hit in the wrist will swell my entire forearm.  An injection to the back of my hand will swell the fingers and hand to the point of limited mobility for a couple of days.

Unlike some folks here, I have only taken about 6 stings over the course of 3 years.  Only one since I started going gloveless.  I can't speak to building up resistance.

[.30WCF]

I have the same one as JurassicApiary. I like it a lot. Mine leaves the back of my neck exposed a bit but once it?s pulled down in the back it?s covered. It makes me feel better to adjust it, but then what difference does it make if my shoulder blades aren?t covered. I?m in shorts and a t-shirt with flip flops.


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[TheHoneyPump]

This is what I use 90% of the time. 
https://www.bugshirt.com/products/original/

When I know things are going to get knarly then the goto are the coveralls, gauntlets and old trusty Alexander style veil.

[Bob Wilson]

Nice veils and bug shirts.
I bought an alexadrian veil, which came folded, even though it is round, and it has taken me a long time to work out the bends in the mesh. I should probably try to heat it, then let it cool straight.

[Robo]

I got hit today for the 5th time since I started beekeeping spring 2019.
Last week I received my 4th. I pulled my hive tool off my pocket magnet, and there was a bee perched on it. That one was on the palm side of my forefinger. It hurt for a minute, then itched a little that day with a tiny bump.
But today?! I got stung on the top of that same hand, near my pinkie knuckle. That whole side of my hand is swollen, itchy, and is tender sore.
I have never had a reaction like this before. I was beginning to think I was super bee impervious. Not anynore.
What's the deal?

Bob,

Many years ago I worked with Amber Rose doing BVT.   She had a protocol that patients needed to follow before she would start treatment.    It was no alcohol within the last 24 hours and taking 4000 mg of vitamin C a day.   I don't remember the exact reasoning, but something to do with your body needs the vitamin C to produce whatever it needs to react to the venom.   She claimed when you body didn't have enough vitamin C, that is when anaphylaxis occurs.   At the time, she had stung over 10,000 people and never had an anaphylaxis incident.    Since then I have always taken vitamin C during bee season and have noticed much less issues with stings.  Ya they still hurt like hell for about 30 seconds on certain areas of my body,   but then the pain is gone and within a few hours I don't even remember where the sting happened.

Your mileage mat vary, but might be worth a try.

[JurassicApiary]

Bob,

Many years ago I worked with Amber Rose doing BVT.   She had a protocol that patients needed to follow before she would start treatment.    It was no alcohol within the last 24 hours and taking 4000 mg of vitamin C a day.   I don't remember the exact reasoning, but something to do with your body needs the vitamin C to produce whatever it needs to react to the venom.   She claimed when you body didn't have enough vitamin C, that is when anaphylaxis occurs.   At the time, she had stung over 10,000 people and never had an anaphylaxis incident.    Since then I have always taken vitamin C during bee season and have noticed much less issues with stings.  Ya they still hurt like hell for about 30 seconds on certain areas of my body,   but then the pain is gone and within a few hours I don't even remember where the sting happened.

Your mileage mat vary, but might be worth a try.

Thanks for sharing, Robo.  I'm going to give this a try.

[BeeMaster2]

Rob,
That is good info. I eat a lot of fruit everyday and this may help with my body not reacting to bee stings.
Jim Altmiller

[Acebird]

Exactly the opposite for me and my wife.  She lives on fruit and I can take it or leave it.  She has extreme reactions and I have nearly none.  Not saying vitamin C doesn't help but it is not the complete answer.

[FloridaGardener]

Just found out this evening that the complete answer to "that bee" who won't get away from your face...is the clapping method.

Best. Defense. Ever.  Thanks, HP.