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I Received A Bug Bite In Italy Yesterday And I
Question: I received a bug bite in Italy yesterday and I haven%E2%80%99t had one like this before I%E2%80%99m a little concerned and need reassurance that%E2%80%99s its okay and I%E2%80%99ll be fine.
Brief Answer:
There is nothing to worry about unless you had a tick bite- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and also checked the uploaded pictures.
Unless you think you had a tick bite, there is nothing to worry about this insect bite. Generally, tick bites require antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease, which can be prevalent in some areas in Italy, especially if you have been camping.
If you do not think you had a tick bite and if you do not have any pain in the area then all you need is:
- local cool compresses to put the inflammation down. You can use ice wrapped in a clean cloth (do not use ice directly on the skin) for 20 minutes, a few times a day.
- sometimes over the counter creams for after insect bites or mild steroid cream (hydrocortisone or betamethasone) can be applied twice a day on the area to help reduce inflammation
- try to not scratch it (as scratching it may cause the rash to get infected and aslo enlarge). Do not put anything else on the rash (do not even cover it with band-aids as some patients may develop allergies to these and make the rash worse).
If you notice no improvement in the next 2-3 days or if you see the red and swollen area is getting bigger, you will need to see your doctor to rule out infection.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
There is nothing to worry about unless you had a tick bite- details below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and also checked the uploaded pictures.
Unless you think you had a tick bite, there is nothing to worry about this insect bite. Generally, tick bites require antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease, which can be prevalent in some areas in Italy, especially if you have been camping.
If you do not think you had a tick bite and if you do not have any pain in the area then all you need is:
- local cool compresses to put the inflammation down. You can use ice wrapped in a clean cloth (do not use ice directly on the skin) for 20 minutes, a few times a day.
- sometimes over the counter creams for after insect bites or mild steroid cream (hydrocortisone or betamethasone) can be applied twice a day on the area to help reduce inflammation
- try to not scratch it (as scratching it may cause the rash to get infected and aslo enlarge). Do not put anything else on the rash (do not even cover it with band-aids as some patients may develop allergies to these and make the rash worse).
If you notice no improvement in the next 2-3 days or if you see the red and swollen area is getting bigger, you will need to see your doctor to rule out infection.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
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