If the only symptoms are pain, redness and swelling/itching at the site of the sting, and the bee sting was not on the face, then the person is not likely to be experiencing a severe allergic reaction. I would recommend giving the person a single dose of an oral antihistamine (such as Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec or Claritin) as quickly as possible. This may help the local reaction and possibly reduce the chance, or lessen the severity, of an allergic reaction occurring later. These medicines are available over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription – just be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the package.
Continue to closely monitor the sting victim for signs of an allergic reaction, particularly for the first 30 to 60 minutes after getting stung. Most severe allergic reactions occur within this time period, and would be unusual 4 hours or more after getting stung (If signs of an allergic reaction develop, get medical attention immediately). Localized swelling, redness and itching at the site of the sting may worsen over many hours to days. Treatment of local reactions may include applying ice packs and topical steroid creams to the sting site, as well as taking oral antihistamines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Some insect stings, particularly those from yellow jackets, develop into cellulitis (skin infection). If pain, swelling or redness develops, worsens or spreads after 2 to 3 days, or if the person develops fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, medical care should be sought.