Suggest Treatment For Pain In Neck Caused By Insect Bite

Posted on Mon, 23 Nov 2015

Question: My fiance, a 45 yo male was working in the yard and felt something bite him on the neck. The only thing we found upon inspection of the surrounding area, was a small grub like bug.The picture attached is of the bite within 10 minutes of it occurring.We live 20 miles from the nearest hospital. In Burnet, a lake community in Hill Country TX. We only have one MD in town and he is closed. Also, previously when I myself was bitten by a red headed centipede, that Dr advised me to take two benadryl, 3 advil, use cortizone ointment, add ice.. and wait for it to go away. We did that for him in this case as well about 10 min ago, but his symptoms are different and include fatigue. What symptoms would constitute a need for an ER visit... what should I watch for?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query.

Local allergic reaction in the site of bite with redness,swelling,pain,itching are common.In this case ice,anti-inflammation drugs (Aleve,Ibuprofen, Cortisone) are enough to reduce the symptoms.
In rare cases ,a severe allergic reaction can occur ,which presents with difficulty breathing ,red skin rash in body,feeling lightheaded and faint,low blood pressure etc.
So if your fiance start to complain for a swollen tongue,feelings of faintness or dizziness ,hives ,difficulty breathing ...this would be an emergency.If he has a history of severe allergic reaction to insect bite ,you may need to be very careful and send it to ER if he has any of the above symptoms.
If he is feeling good,no spread rash ,no difficulty breathing ,heart rate and blood pressure are normal ,you don't need to worry.This is just a local reaction to the insect bite.The symptoms will resolve in few days.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any question.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (27 minutes later)

Thank You very much! This helps greatly! Weve just moved here from XXXXXXX and this area is very rural with many unusual insects and snakes.. Its nice to have a rule of thumb considering our limited access to any healthcare because of our location.
Thanks again for your time :)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

I apologize for the late reply.
I hope that your fiance is better now.You are very welcome.I am glad that I could help and you can contact me anytime when you will need a medical advise.

I would be happy to help.

Wish you all the best.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar