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What Causes Pain And Swelling Around The Bug Bite On The Lower Leg?

Posted on Tue, 8 Aug 2017

Question: I may have been bitten by a bug. My right lower leg/café area slightly red, slight swelling and painful at touch. Cortisone Gel doesn't help much.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Steroid antibiotic cream, antihistaminic & oral steroids if required

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic
If I was your treating doctor I would recommend you to apply topical steroid and antibiotic like cortisone cream and neosporin ointment on the affected areas twice daily and take antihistaminic like tablet Cetrizine 10 mg twice daily for 5-7 days.
If the problem doesn't improve in 1-2 days take a short course of oral steroids like tablet prednisolone 20 mg once daily for 5 days.
Steroids are prescription drugs and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.
This should resolve your problem.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (25 hours later)

I have Cortisone Gel. Is there a difference between the gel and the cream or are they both equally effective?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Both cortisone gel and cream are equally effective

Detailed Answer:
Both cortisone gel and cream are equally effective.
You can use cortisone gel along with neosporin ointment on the affected area.

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. Remy Koshy