To ask if I should go to A&E or call 111? Pics included

[hurtylegs]

So just got back from abroad. Got numerous mosquito bites but reacted to them much worse than usual (probably due to my immune system being worn out) - see pics below of the three worst bites (all on my legs).

Have been putting bite cream on them since I got back which seems to have helped with the worst of the itching but they have been hot and hard to the touch and at least one had a fluid-filled blister (now popped - sorry if TMI) - not currently the case though.

Am worried however about the small red lines coming out of two of them, within the last few hours, in case cellulitis is developing. Any thoughts on whether I ought to call 111 or even go to A&E? (Hope not, as it's late and I'm shattered.)

Separate to that, as mentioned above, my system is shot to pieces as I have ulcerative colitis and am having a severe flare up. So really would rather avoid antibiotics if at all possible, as they bring on diarrhoea in me at the best of times. That said, am also wondering if I should call 111 or go to A&E about the colitis, as I am having liquid bloody diarrhoea about every half hour. Supposed to be having a colonoscopy this weekend but not sure that will be possible.

Feel pretty dreadful. Any advice (or even sympathy would be nice)? 🙂😢

Oh dear. I'm afraid I thought the IBD flare rather more significant than the bites. I hope you feel rather better soon.

I'm so glad that you are in the right place now @hurtylegs and getting the correct treatment. I'm also glad that you managed to get a little bit of sleep last night, and hopefully, now that you are in hospital and getting the right treatment, you can manage to get a lot more sleep - although I know from quite recent experience how noisy the wards can be (even at night if they bring a new patient into the ward), and that if it is quiet they will probably come in to take some observations from you! 🩷 💐💐💐

Thanks so much everyone, supportive/advice posts have been so helpful.

Sending best wishes for recovery to your DGD, too,@Mischance - hope she feels better soon.

Night night all x

Thank you!

Was going to post about my own experience with cellulitis but I see you went to A and E in the end anyway which is good.

The varying posts about bites are hilarious from 'I nearly lost half my arm and the pharmacist just gave me some cream' to 'omg you're probably dying'.

FWIW I get bitten frequently and am always paranoid about cellulitis. I had it once years ago but my whole wrist swelled up before I went to the doctor where I was given a very strong course of antibiotics and a very stern warning. At the time I was told the lumpy bumpy 'bubbly' appearance around the wound was a good indicator or cellulitis where the cell structure was damaged and basically starting to breakdown. Ever since then I have used tea tree oil on any bite that appears red and painful or that I'm worried about and I have never had another bite go bad (and I literally get eaten every summer).

Anyway, glad you're getting treatment and pick up a bottle of tea tree oil for future bites. Mildly antiseptic and helps with the itching.

Thanks for the tips,@reluctantadmissions- will take note (and tea tree oil).

My dh was like you and had very bad swelling in a leg from an infected insect bite, a few years ago, before contacting 111, who diagnosed it as v urgent cellulitis and had him on antibiotics within half a hour of the call! Having seen how bad his got, I didn't want mine to risk ending up that way.

Hi, @hurtylegs - how have you been? Are you feeling any better? 💐🤗

Aw, thanks for asking.

Have been well-looked after. On IV medication, has been helping the colitis a bit, awaiting decision tomorrow on long-term medication. My mosquito bites have been loving the antibiotic ointment, already healing really well. So all good.

But really looking forward to going home! Would be nice to get a bit of the Bank Holiday weekend at home!

But very glad I did come to A&E - they've done so many tests that would have taken months to do if done individually at separate appointments, I've seen the most senior consultants (consultants' strike doesn't seem to have impacted that) and will hopefully be on the right medication before I go. So thanks to everyone who told me to come in to A&E! Was the best decision 🙂

The consultants' strike means we were providing Christmas Day level of service. And contrary to what the DM would have you believe, yes, there are indeed consultants around on Christmas Day. We would never have voted for a full on walk out. Really glad things are working out for you.