Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Bitten By Horsefly, Swelling, Tightness, Slightly Pinkish Skin. Cause Of Concern?

Hi, I was bitten on my left forearm by a horsefly two days ago; I felt and saw the insect and nocked it off my arm at the time. There s no local redness to the bite area but after a few hours the whole forearm and hand have swolen up markedly, with tight feeling, slightly pinkish skin, tender but no real pain. The swelling has not gone down today and swelling has stopped at the whole forearm/hand, upper arm is unaffected. Is this something I should bother my doctor about? Or will it subside after a couple of days? I ve not had this problem before. Thanks for any advice.
posted on Mon, 23 Jul 2012
Twitter Fri, 18 Oct 2013 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 18 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi there,

Thanks for your query.

Yes. The problems are due to horsefly venom. The swelling will subside within 2-3 days with anti-inflammatory drugs such as, ibuprofen; anti-histaminic drugs, such as cetirizine, and a couple of shots of steroid injection.

If the skin is infected, you may have to take a course of suitable antibiotics.

Consult your doctor who knows what will be best for you.

Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Bitten By Horsefly, Swelling, Tightness, Slightly Pinkish Skin. Cause Of Concern?

Hi there, Thanks for your query. Yes. The problems are due to horsefly venom. The swelling will subside within 2-3 days with anti-inflammatory drugs such as, ibuprofen; anti-histaminic drugs, such as cetirizine, and a couple of shots of steroid injection. If the skin is infected, you may have to take a course of suitable antibiotics. Consult your doctor who knows what will be best for you. Dr. Rakesh Karanwal