Dd bug bite (pic) antihistamines /ibuprofen anything else to help avoid antibiotics?

[Thisisanothertime]

My 18 year old dd has always had trouble with insect bites every summer we try everything bug spray long sleeves etc . But she always ends up getting bitten at least once. And it always ends up needing antibiotics - which then makes gives her a horrific upset stomach and it becomes a huge thing (i should add she os autistic and so the upset of this is a bug thing to her!)

She was bitten on the arm while out two days ago and we have been giving her piriton but tonight it looks pretty swollen and her hand is swelling up so im thinking its going to be gp tomorrow again.

is there ANYTHING we can do this evening to avoid another round of antibiotics.

I don't think so, sorry

Re: upset tum - try a probiotic with the abx (I use optibac)

Oof. Piriton isn't the strongest. Get to a pharmacy for some fexofenadine, sold as allevia. And do it tonight.

I'd also get that iced. Do you have one of those ice pack bags? I'd also elevate.

And try the whole hairdryer, hot spoon job before you ice it.

It sucks when you react like this to a bite. Chamomile tea brewed up and the got icy cold offers a huge amount of relief when applied as a sort of poultice.

Tell the GP that she gets an upset stomach with the usual antibiotics - they can prescribe a different one. This happened to me, I now have amoxicillin that doesn’t make me feel ill.

Anthisan cream

I'd put Germolene on it, or another antiseptic cream.

Your poor dd, that does look nasty and as though it might need antibiotics . It looks like a horse fly bite maybe ? Have you slathered it in antiseptic cream ?
My dd was abroad recently and bitten by something, a Horse fly or possibly a spider. A friend gave her a special thing to use that heats up the area briefly, it denatures the proteins, stops itching etc. She felt it worked brilliantly and the bite calmed down, whereas she would normally have a bigger reaction.
It looks probably too late for this now but maybe worth getting one for future bites ? I don’t know what it was called though, I am about to Google it .

My mum swears by thyme tea for infection. You could also cool it down and use it to bathe the area. Manuka honey also has some antibiotic effect, but you need the proper (expensive kind). But don't put off seeing the GP and getting some proper antibiotics if she needs them.

Every sodding year I get a reaction to a bite, so now I have a routine of fexofenadine, ice and Paracetamol which really helps with reducing the swelling.

are you giving piriton every 4 hours? It takes me a few days of having piriton before swelling completely goes after a bug bite

Ask for different antibiotics to what shes previously tried

Antibiotics are to prevent infection and sepsis so I'd be inclined not to avoid them if they're deemed necessary

Germoline
Steroid sting cream
Different antihistamine tablets?

Sympathy. That looks like antibiotics are needed.

I hate the ones they prescribe for bite infections. I have to set my alarm to take one at 5am or I can't fit the pills in around food. I did investigate alternatives but these are the most likely to work.

Deet to avoid being around. Then Ice. Anthisan. At least two types.of antihistamines orally. Fucibet on the surface to help avoid infection. Still end up every year. I can tell now.

Fexofendine and I sometime top up with loratindine. Germaline or anthisan.
If she needs antibiotics then good probiotic at the same time.

Antihistamine and painkillers can't do a thing to stop infection.

By coincidence I just listened to this podcast episode which may be helpful - it recommends having fermented foods rather than probiotics; https://joinzoe.com/learn/podcast-antibiotics-the-surprising-truth-about-probiotics

They also mention asking medics whether a topical antibiotic might be appropriate to counteract infection without affecting the gut.

There's no way to tell from pictures whether it's 'just' a histamine reaction to the bite or if it's an infection. It is normal to have widespread swelling with a horsefly bite and antihistamines and steroid cream (eg anthisan) usually help though I would avoid ibuprofen as it can exacerbate allergic reactions. I would keep an eye on it and re-assess in the morning to see if it's spread further and if it has then seek medical advice.

I had an awful horsefly bite last week and used hydrocolloid plasters on it and they worked amazingly, just as it looked like it was about to turn nasty. Your DDs does look it might be in need of ABs though so I would get it seen, but maybe try the plasters to speed healing as well. They really helped with the unbearable itching too.@

I got bitten about a month ago at night. I was on holiday (Jersey) and its three bites in a triangle at top of breast. Not particularly itchy, looked like spots at first then the whole area became inflamed and red. Now they have faded but they are taking some shifting. Is there anything I can do to clear them up quicker? I don't want them to stay. I have enough scars etc

I got dd (also autistic) a set of impregnated bracelets (elastic and look like friendship bands) from Amazon. The two nights she forgot to put them on she got bitten. She wears one on her wrist and one on her ankle.

1% hydrocortisone cream works wonders on bites for me. I generally use it for eczema patches, but then saw it recommended for bites on the NHS website, and it was a game-changer.

I've got some antibiotic/steroid cream from the doctors as I've had some really inflamed bites recently.

Insect bites are the devil and create untold misery.

Boots do a 2% hydrocortisone cream over the counter. I find this really good & apply regularly for relief and reduced swelling.

I react badly to mosquito bites & at the height of discomfort will take a one a day antihistamine in the morning & piriton at night. If not working /driving or doing anything challenging I'd take more piriton but it can makes you drowsy.

I'll be trying the other antihistamines mentioned next time I get bitten.

Ice is very cooling & boots do an instant cooling insect relief spray which helps when it's really itchy.

As others say painkillers as they really hurt!

Hope it improves soon.

Draw around the inflammation so you know if it’s getting worse. Fexafenadine are very good antihistamines as is Optibac probiotics, I took these after 3 courses of antibiotics for sinusitis. They are brilliant and I’ll keep taking them.

Horse flies are evil little buggers, but then again spider bites can be pretty bad. As you’ve said get in with the Drs tomorrow to get it sorted, good luck.