Any pharmacists / HCPs around please?

[NorthernGirlie]

Sorry - posting for traffic

I'm on holiday in Turkey and I've been bitten in 9 places across my lower legs. I've never been bitten before in Turkey!

I'm off to the chemist soon as they've been burning and itching all night.

Does anyone know what I should buy? Antihistamines definitely but do I need anything else?

An added complication is that I have lymphedema (and therefore excess fluid in my leg) and I'm prone to cellulitis.

I've had it a few times at home. Sometimes it clears with antibiotics, sometimes i need an IV

None of the bites are looking infected at the moment so I'm hoping to avoid cellulitis!

Antibiotics ummediately if you are prone to cellulitis!!

I'm a paramedic prescriber, would just be the using the antihistamine at present regards the itch/no other symptoms. Antibiotics are rarely given as prophylaxis.

If you were to develop cellulitis signs then goto urgent care (in turkey like the UK you need a prescription for abx) - I'd find a local to ask about the best place to go as a non-resident just in case you need to.

I have lymphoedema too. As well as antihistamine I would get an antiseptic cream, particularly with that many bites. And it goes without saying don't scratch and keep everything scrupulously clean. You might already be a member, but if not I suggest you join the Lymphoedema Support Network. Amongst other things (general support, literature, advice etc), they issue medic-alert type cards to carry with you in case you do need emergency antibiotics. Contrary to what a PP said, some people with lymphoedema are routinely given prophylactic antibiotics. Next time you go away, it might be worth asking your doctor about it. You might be lucky. I'm envious - I have to wear really heavy support garments and can't contemplate going anywhere hot ever again. I hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday thoroughly.

@NorthernGirlie Stilex gel (from Turkey forum on TA)🙂

@Floatlikeafeather2 I used to really suffer on holiday but I've discovered "flappering' which is treading water using mainly your feet - the water pressure does something magic to the fluid in my leg and makes a huge difference

I do actually have a yellow card for antibiotics but it's in my purse at home 🙈 I might ask the doctor about antibiotics to bring away - thanks for the suggestion 🥰

Thank you!

Take oral antihistamines and apply over the counter low dose topical steroid cream, e.g., hydrocortisone 1% cream, for a few days.

https://patient.info/skin-conditions/insect-bites-and-stings-leaflet

I took your advice - thank you!

Just wanted to thank you all- the burning has stopped so I'm not worried about cellulitis anymore! 2 are still itchy but the antihistamines and cream worked like magic on most of them

I think they're going to scar though - there are big purple marks around each bite - literally looks like someone's held a hot poker over them 🤔