my wife has had an insect bite her arm?

Question

it has swelled up quite badly.she has been given anti biotics.flucloxacllin capsules 500 mg.
taken from yesterday 11am.
the swelling has not got any better yet.when can we expect it to go down?

Answer 1

I was bitten by insects quite badly 2 weeks ago it's taken this long for the swelling to go but I'm still marked almost like bruising

Answer 2

Sir,
Normally, an insect bite is expected to have its most devastating consequences ( anaphylaxis or severe allergy) in the first few minutes to hours after the bite. It is good that you have already seen a doctor and from the time course and your description it doesn't seems like a life-threatening allergy.
But, this is a big BUT, the swelling should have gone down by now and it is quite likely that the bite may have been superinfected. My advice to you would be: Give the antibiotic a few more hours (24-36 hours) and in the mean time if the swelling, redness or tenderness increases or your wife starts shooting fevers you should rush to a nearby emergency room. Sometimes swellings may endanger the blood supply to that particular limb. Talking of that, make sure she holds her affected arm high so that the swelling can easily drain back to the body. It will also alleviate the pain.
In short,
1. swelling or redness or pain increases------> emergency
department.
2. Hold the affected arm higher than the rest of the body( three four pillows can serve as excellent cushions).
NB. Please don't tie anything around the swelling.
May God help you with the rest!!

Answer 3

It appears she has seen a doctor already.

Over the counter stuff that help reduce swelling.

If the skin is not broken "apply cortisone cream". If skin is broken apply neosporran or similar antibiotic cream for relief as needed

Vitamin B-6 also helps reduce swelling.

You can have your pick at a pharmacy.

Do you know what was the insect, hope she is not allergic to it.

If the insect is known or an experience doctor can see the bite and can determine from the looks he can recommend correct treatment.

If this is not done then next bite from same insect can be fatal (hope not). This is because some times one uses up little immunity that one has against the bite in that case it can be fatal, on the other hand one can build the immunity against it in that case nothing happens not even swelling.

Minoo.

Answer 4

With your wife having that bad of a reaction, she should be on some type of antihistamine since she seems allergic (Benadryl = diphenhydramine generic) orally every 4 - 6 hrs as directed, and on the area itself with an antihistamine cream (same name as oral). I always, always recommend hot-as-you-can-stand salt water compresses on the site for 10 min. at a time several times/day to draw out the inflammation by osmosis. Also, the salt kills bacteria, and the heat does too - plus, the heat helps improve circulation in the area for the body's defense system to do its job better. At school, I will wet a large band-aid and sprinkle salt on it, and put it on a student when they are having bad swelling and itching - it really does help. (Of course, if it's a large reaction like your wife is experiencing , parents are notified for further treatment - esp. antihistamine.) Be sure to stay in contact with your doc if your wife experiences generalized signs and symptoms of infection like: chills, fever, nausea, body aches and pains, or if a red line takes off from the site of the bite and heads up a vein towards the heart. If you get on the oral antihistamines and are faithful to do the saltwater compresses, I think you'll see a great improvement in the decrease time of the reaction. Good luck.

Answer 5

I would also alternate ice and heat to decrease swelling and improve circulation to remove the fluid. If the swelling doesn't start to go within a few days, back to the doctors. She may be having an allergic reaction. What bit her, do you know? More specific advice If I knew what bit her. If it was a tick, please get further tests as tick bites can cause long term damage to the nervous system as well as some spider bites.

Answer 6

You can call NHS Direct if yr in the UK 08454647
They will advise firther regarding the swelling - or alternatively call your surgery and ask to be advised by the nurse.

Often patients dont see a change in their condition until at least half way through the course of antibiotics - Bathing the affected area with warm salt water help it swelling and irritation to settle.

Hope she recovers soon.

Answer 7

I certainly can't give advice on this, but I have called my pharmacist with medical questions often and they've been very helpful...just to ease your mind, call where you had the precsciption filled and tell them your concern. They might be able to help? I know with simple insect bites, sometimes the swelling lasts for a day or two. Give them a call...it's worth a shot. Good Luck.

Answer 8

I do recommend that you speak with the GP again in this case she needs drugs call antihistamine (Ex Piriton) to reduce the swelling. Another practical point to keep the arm elevated which will help to reduce the swelling.

Answer 9

Antibiotics for a bite?? Wow the medical system hey?? She is either having an allergic reaction or really bad inflamation. I think it could be inflamation. Go to your local health food store and purchase a tube of Traumeel by Heel (or google it) It works amazing on any type of topical inflamation. It works every time for me and we have tons of mosquitos. Good luck.

Answer 10

Uhm ask the doctor....Also for next time this is a helpfull little tip right after a bug bites you, you should put mud on the bite it will help pull a lot of the bugs venom out and prevent these silly little messes.