What have I been bitten by?

[mnahmnah]

The red area is about 6cm diameter, yellow blister in the middle. Getting achey feelings down my leg. Last time I had anything like try is was in Mexico! I’m hoping it’s nothing that exotic DH started google imaging which was NOT a help. Anyone any ideas please?!

A single fanged vampire

Horsefly (known as a cleg in Scotland). Or a Mozzie.

Horsefly I think, I've had several of these over the last few years nd have always needed antibiotics after a couple of days as it's got bigger and redder/purple and seems hard, I actually asked the pharmacist if there was something I could get over the counter or by seeing them but was advised that the flucloxacillin would be Dr prescribed only so you might want to give them a call in the morning.

Horsefly I think, I've had several of these over the last few years and have always needed antibiotics after a couple of days as it's got bigger and redder/purple and seems hard under the skin, I actually asked the pharmacist if there was something I could get over the counter or by seeing them but was advised that the flucloxacillin would be Dr prescribed only so you might want to give them a call in the morning.

My first thought was horse fly they Absoult swines , I have been got at a few times resulting in a painfull hard hot swollen lump and aching near by joints , the worst was one on the side of my knee it took weeks to go down and I still have a small lump there 25+ years later. .
I agree with PP, cold pack, antihistamine, and hydro cream ( I think out of date would be fine till you can get more )

If you are in Oxfordshire or south of England it could be a Blandford Fly bite. Same advice applies I think though.

@BathTangle

I’m in the North west.

Also, urban city. I went for a country walk this morning. But this didn’t appear until retime after I walked into the city centre this afternoon. Not near nature at all then, so doubt it’s a tick bite.

Horsefly - DH said I would know if one bit me. I didn’t notice being bitten. Just the aftermath.

The swelling has gone down, but the redness has spread a tiny bit more. Still hard and hot.

Generally I would agree with your DH about feeling it bite you but I haven't always felt them, I think it depends on where they bite

Also mozzie bites itch like fuck , horse fly bites don't itch that much , more of a ache and heat issue

My experience with clegs/horseflies in Scotland is that I seldom felt them bite - the bastards seemed to have some sort of Klingon stealth cloaking device. The first I knew about it was the horrible yellow infected bite. My mum used to dab them with neat Dettol!

Doubt it's a horsefly - they really hurt when they bite so you'd have noticed. But as I said, I still have no idea what caused mine - I first had it a year or so ago on my hand, and consulted a GP who said same as you've done - make sure it's not spreading (otherwise could be cellulitis) and if not, just treat it as an evil bite. Since then I've had them on hand again, elbow and leg - I'm clearly quite tasty!

For what it's worth, mine tend to spread but reduce in swelling if that makes sense. And definitely yes to hard, red and and itchy - tends to get worse for a couple of days and then gradually reduces.

Let me know if you ever discover what it is - I've had four of them in the last year so would love to know how to avoid it!

Did you ever figure this out?!

I agree. Unfortunately it could be a telltale bullseye of a tick. I’d call 111 in case. Good luck.