Wasp sting and antibiotics

[Bezzi]

The last two times I've been stung by a wasp I've had a reaction where the area around it swells and continues to swell and I've ended up with a fever etc.

Both times I've taken antihistamines and drawn around it and then ended up at the GP when the swelling has continued to grow and symptoms have worsened.

Both times I've then been given antibiotics.

Does anyone know why? If it's an allergy I wouldn't need antibiotics would I? Aren't antibiotics for infections? Is it just bad luck that both times bacteria has got into the sting and it's become infected? Or is this something I'm going to be prone to for some reason?

Did I mention I hate wasps? Stingy little bastards. This has done nothing for my phobia at all!!!

[SavoyCabbage]

I'm no expert but I'd have thought it was antihistamine you would need. Oral and topical.

[Bezzi]

The pharmacist gave me antihistamines but they didn't do anything and the area more than doubled in size while taking them. She told me if this happened to go to the GP and they gave me the antibiotics.

I should have asked why at the time but I didn't 😕

Wondered if any wise MNers had any idea or previous experience

[HilaryBriss]

I've had similar before with a mosquito bite that was very red and inflamed. The Dr said it was at risk of turning into cellulitis and gave me 7 days of antibiotics.

[Newmama29]

It has more than likely turned into cellulitis - an infection/inflammation of the skin. It’s common in insect bites & stings

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

Im the same and currently wondering if I can ride this one out or whether I'm going to need 111.

[Bezzi]

Thanks all.
@OhYouBadBadKitten what did you decide to do? In my experience riding it out isn't an option, I hope you got it checked out. Does this happen to you every time you get stung then?

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

It does and I get stung more than my fair share! .
I've not decided yet. I'm still erring towards a large local reaction. It's always on a bank holiday isn't it!

[Bezzi]

@OhYouBadBadKitten always! Or when away from home!!

I'm 48 hours into the antibiotics now and feeling like it's turning a corner. You have my full sympathy.

I didn't even try to kill this wasp, no panicked flapping or anything. I gently persuaded it to not go up my lads coat and we calmly walked away, it followed me 100 yards landed on my leg and stung me unprovoked through my jeans!! Hate them!!

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

what a bastard! Similar with me, I was just walking down the street and was stung completely unprovoked. I'm glad the antibiotics are working.