Allergic reaction to insect bite

[OMGSame]

I was bitten around 10 days ago by a wee beastie in a park, usual big red itchy lump which disappeared after a few days but this time it bruised and I have an extremely, and I cannot find the superlatives to describe how much, itchy rash around the site of the original bite/bruise. I've been taking a daily antihistamine and slathering it with hydrocortisone and antihistamine cream, and I still want to saw off my arm.

It was so bad in the night that I cried and I'm really concerned that if I can't stop scratching I'll bruise it more and break the skin.

When I had dd1 I had PUPPP and the itching is as bad.

Is there anything else I can do, other than to drown my misery in alcohol (oral not topical)

Not the most serious health issue I know but it's broken me today.

[pippistrelle]

Oh poor you. I know it's the sort of thing that really can make you feel a bit unhinged. I hope you don't have to deal with it too much longer.

Are you using the same type of anti-histamine all the time? If so, it might be worth switching to another type (I mean the active ingredient rather than the brand) to see if a different type helps. Otherwise, I find keeping it cool can help relieve the itching, so an ice pack or even just ice cubes in a zip-lock type bag.

[OMGSame]

Thank you. Cold flannel is an excellent idea.
The flaming thing's on the inside of my elbow and about 4 inches across so it keeps getting brushed against which seems to trigger an itching attack. Some kind of cold barrier between it and the world will help a lot. I wish it was possible to unscrew it at the shoulder and pop it in the freezer for an hour.

[PollyPerky]

You should go to your GP or a walk in centre when you can; it might be a tick bite and these can be serious- you'd need antibiotics. If you know it's not a tick, ignore that- go to your local pharmacist and ask them to look and advise on what next.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

I would seek medical advice because it could be infected.

[Unacceptable]

Recently had similar and required antibiotics.
Might be worth getting it checked out.
That was weeks ago, still tender and uncomfortable now. Some bad ass biting creatures about lately

[OMGSame]

Thank you. If it hasn't settled by Monday I'll make an appt to see the GP. I'm fairly sure it's not a tick bite, it's not the classic bullseye (thanks Dr Google)

[PollyPerky]

why is there a white square in the middle and a red border? have you had a sticking plaster or dressing over it? Where exactly is the bite?

[OMGSame]

No sticking plaster or dressing. The bite was to the edge of the clear area in the middle but there's no sign of it now. The clearer bit in the middle pretty much looks like normal skin, the red bit round the edge is the itchy bit.

[OMGSame]

It started much more central to the bite but the ring is spreading outwards.

[lilithxx16]

How is it now? I have similar - any advice?

[OMGSame]

It's healed up now pretty much on its own, it just needed time I think. A combination of hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines seems to be the way forward, I'd speak to a pharmacist if you can. Hope you're not suffering for too long.