*sigh . . . another "Do I need to see a doctor/pharmacist/nurse?" one - pic attached

[RedPandaFluff]

I was bitten by something - I think a spider, as I could see two little puncture wounds - in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) morning. The red patch is getting bigger and bigger, and it's sore to walk as it's swollen and I suppose fluid is pooling in my ankle.

Should I get it seen to? I'm 24 weeks pregnant if that's relevant . . .

Sorted! Antibiotics - flucloxacillin, which are safe in pregnancy. I'm so glad I went in the end - it's now really red and swollen.

I'm just worried about where the little blighter went and if he's keen for seconds 😏

Glad you're sorted!

Hopefully the wee beastie will be long gone now.

Just keep your eye on it. Flucloxacillin might not be strong enough.

Hmm. So it's less swollen today, but more red and purple-looking, and I can't be sure but it's almost as if it's tracking along my veins.

Am I being paranoid? I started the antibiotics yesterday afternoon. Would it be too soon to see an improvement?

Give the ABx 48 hours.
Keep leg elevated and drink plenty of fluids.

If it's tracking then you need to go to A&E - they'll probably refer you to the ambulatory care unit for IV antibiotics.

(disclaimer, I am a nurse in A&E)

Arrrrgh. I'll keep an eye on it and see what it's like by the end of today.

I'm a bit worried about doing the right thing by the baby . . . 4 IVF cycles to get here . . .

A&E or walk in centre if there's tracking, 100%. Better to be safe than sorry...

My neighbour got sepsis from a bite, you cant be too careful

Take a pen and draw around the edge of the redness. It will help track the spread of the infection. If you see it spread call your GP and let them know.

My friend was bitten by a spider and ended up in hospital with IV antibiotics and then 6 weeks off work.

Stay on top of this, you are not overreacting.

Get seen today it's not worth the risk is it?

It's tracking.

Call 111 at the very least, though given that you're pregnant I'd be happier with a walk-in centre.

Can you use a bit of biro or something washable to draw the boundary so you can see if it spreads?

DH had cellulitis from a wasp sting recently and his went purple and got slightly worse before it got better (which GP did warn about). Don’t take any chances though OP, no harm in getting a second opinion in A&E.

I back all the people saying get it seen. it's not worth risking you or the baby to wait and try to give ABs 48 hours. Go in.

Yes 2000%

Update! I was a wee bit worried so I went back and they've doubled the dose of flucloxacillin - I've to see improvement in the next 24 hours, and if not, IV antibiotics are likely needed.

Thanks for the advice, all - it helps to know I wasn't overreacting or being dramatic! 💐

Fingers crossed the double dose works lass.

How are you doing Redpanda? Something chomped my ankle last night and I wondered how you were getting on.

Hi @BringOnTheScience - I'm back to normal bar a little red circle on my ankle! Thank you for asking :-) Definitely needed the double-dose antibiotics - saw improvement within 24 hours of increasing the dose.

Keep an eye on yours and nip it in the bud - I've learned from everyone on here that it's better to be safe than sorry!

Excellent update!

Now you can go back to growing that baby!