How long does it take for a yellow jacket sting to heal?

How long it takes for a yellow jacket sting to heal depends on individual reaction, number of stings, location, and whether allergic reaction or infection occurs, but for most people with normal local reaction, healing occurs within few days to a week. Immediately after sting, sharp pain and burning lasts 1 to 2 hours, followed by redness, swelling, and itching that peaks at 24 to 48 hours and then gradually subsides, with swelling around sting site lasting 2 to 3 days and itching lasting few days. Complete healing with resolution of redness and swelling typically takes 3 to 7 days for most people, though some may have larger local reaction with swelling lasting up to 10 days. For people with large local allergic reactions, swelling can be more extensive, involving entire limb, and may take 5 to 10 days to resolve. If sting becomes infected due to scratching, healing may take longer, 1 to 2 weeks, and require medical treatment with antibiotics. For severe allergic reactions with anaphylaxis, healing depends on treatment and may require emergency care. To promote healing, wash area with soap and water, apply ice to reduce swelling, take antihistamine for itching, avoid scratching, and monitor for signs of infection like increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, if you have history of allergy, or if sting is in mouth or throat which can cause swelling that obstructs breathing.