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What Causes A Lump On The Arm After An Insect Bite?
Question: Yesterday something bit or stung me in my left arm, it left a nice size hard lump if i squeeze hard enough small amount of dark red blood comes out. Then this morning i woke up and my right arm is in achy pain from hand to just below elbow. Could this be related and should i seek medical help?
Brief Answer:
may be part of the body's inflammatory response
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Yes, it is quite likely related to the bite and possibly the squeezing after to get out any fluid present.
Insect bites or any bite can cause inflammation of the area involved. In some cases infection occur in the traumatized area.
But that is more likely if the area was itching and subsequently scratched because bacteria on the skin or under the nails is then transferred via any small cuts/scratch marks
Inflammation on its own can cause swelling, redness, pain. There may also be increased warmth of the area
Infection (cellulitis) can also cause these changes
You can consider the use of anti inflammatory medication along with anti histamine to help reduce this response.
if there is no improvement within a 24 hour time period or there is worsening, then this may indicate that an infection is present and you may need a course of antibiotics from your doctor
Examples of anti inflammatory medication include: ibuprofen or naproxen
Anti histamines: benadryl, loratidine, zyrtec, allegra
Avoid trying to squeeze out any other liquid because this would likely increase the inflammation/irritation of the area
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be part of the body's inflammatory response
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Yes, it is quite likely related to the bite and possibly the squeezing after to get out any fluid present.
Insect bites or any bite can cause inflammation of the area involved. In some cases infection occur in the traumatized area.
But that is more likely if the area was itching and subsequently scratched because bacteria on the skin or under the nails is then transferred via any small cuts/scratch marks
Inflammation on its own can cause swelling, redness, pain. There may also be increased warmth of the area
Infection (cellulitis) can also cause these changes
You can consider the use of anti inflammatory medication along with anti histamine to help reduce this response.
if there is no improvement within a 24 hour time period or there is worsening, then this may indicate that an infection is present and you may need a course of antibiotics from your doctor
Examples of anti inflammatory medication include: ibuprofen or naproxen
Anti histamines: benadryl, loratidine, zyrtec, allegra
Avoid trying to squeeze out any other liquid because this would likely increase the inflammation/irritation of the area
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
where i understand any of that happening in the arm which was bit or stung, but its the opposite arm is the one in pain, not the one with the bite.
Brief Answer:
should still be treated with an antihistamine/anti inflammatory medication
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the delayed reply
Swelling and pain is usually due to the inflammation, infection or injury though injury was not mentioned earlier.
If there was no history of injury then the symptoms and signs are likely due to inflammation and/or infection
Though there was an obvious bite/sting on the left upper limb, that you addressed, there may have been a less obvious sting
It would be treated in the same way with anti inflammatory medications and antihistamines.
If there is no improvement or worsening , as mentioned, then you should still your doctor
Please feel free to ask any other questions
should still be treated with an antihistamine/anti inflammatory medication
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the delayed reply
Swelling and pain is usually due to the inflammation, infection or injury though injury was not mentioned earlier.
If there was no history of injury then the symptoms and signs are likely due to inflammation and/or infection
Though there was an obvious bite/sting on the left upper limb, that you addressed, there may have been a less obvious sting
It would be treated in the same way with anti inflammatory medications and antihistamines.
If there is no improvement or worsening , as mentioned, then you should still your doctor
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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