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Suggest Treatment For Allergic Insect Bites

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Posted on Wed, 9 Jul 2014
Question: 2 insect bites the one on outer left ankle is apx. 6 days old still very painful for a 2 inch area all around'
the bite site is becoming a hole, swelling and bruised looking all around bite down side of foot.
no itching
second bite happened days later on area between butt and leg in the fold I guess. I scratched this bite and it is a sore with heat, pain and swelling
using benaqdryl
doctor
Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Continue Benadryl,consider pain killers, antibioti

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

The evolution of the lesions (areas bitten by the insects) indicate that something extra has to be done. Benadryl is an antihistamic drug, mainly to reduce allergy and itches. It has for sure succeeded to reduce or stop itches.

Persistence of pain and swelling means the inflammatory reaction is a bit more serious to be controlled only with anti histamic drugs. Corticosteroids could be required in this case. Oral steroids like prednisolone can be used cautiously for a couple of days , or injections of Dexamethasone, with a medical prescription could be given. Pain killers like Acetaminophen and /or Low doses of Ibuprofen could be helpful.

In case the redness and pain are so severe, it is not excluded that the zone might have been infected with bacteria, normally located at the skin level. Anti biotics against Staphylococci would then be needed (Flucloxacilin). I suggest you continue with Benadryl, consider steroids use and Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen to manage the pain for a couple of days. Antibiotics must be associated in case symptoms symptoms persist or aggravate. The opinion and physical examination by a doctor would then be of utmost interest.

Kind regards,

Dr Bain
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3092 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Allergic Insect Bites

Brief Answer: Continue Benadryl,consider pain killers, antibioti Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, The evolution of the lesions (areas bitten by the insects) indicate that something extra has to be done. Benadryl is an antihistamic drug, mainly to reduce allergy and itches. It has for sure succeeded to reduce or stop itches. Persistence of pain and swelling means the inflammatory reaction is a bit more serious to be controlled only with anti histamic drugs. Corticosteroids could be required in this case. Oral steroids like prednisolone can be used cautiously for a couple of days , or injections of Dexamethasone, with a medical prescription could be given. Pain killers like Acetaminophen and /or Low doses of Ibuprofen could be helpful. In case the redness and pain are so severe, it is not excluded that the zone might have been infected with bacteria, normally located at the skin level. Anti biotics against Staphylococci would then be needed (Flucloxacilin). I suggest you continue with Benadryl, consider steroids use and Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen to manage the pain for a couple of days. Antibiotics must be associated in case symptoms symptoms persist or aggravate. The opinion and physical examination by a doctor would then be of utmost interest. Kind regards, Dr Bain