Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Insect bites?

2 replies

Chimichangaz · 25/07/2018 19:23

I was gardening last night, putting some bark in my borders wearing shorts and top and I felt a sharp sting on my inner thigh. I looked and there was a small red mark like a blood blister, quite itchy. There's one on my shin too. I've had a shower tonight and am shocked at how red and infected it seems (the one on my thigh) - there's a red centre and then more redness spreading out and it seems a bit swollen. Wondering if it's an insect bite or maybe a wasp sting and what I can do to treat it. It's quite itchy. Any advice? TIA.

Insect bites?
OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 25/07/2018 19:32

Have you taken an antihistamine? If not, do so and regularly according to the packet instructions.

I was taught that insect bites are actually rarely infected but some of the reactions are very dramatic and it ends up being hard to tell the difference between what is a very impressive wheal and flare reaction to an insect bite and one that is actually infected - so you end up giving out antibiotics to be on the safe side.

The redness goes down, as it would have naturally anyway and the patient is convinced the antibiotics 'worked' - and nobody knows if there was an infection or not.

Anyways - take an antihistamine now. It's what they are for.

Chimichangaz · 25/07/2018 19:59

Thank you @AnnaMagnani
I'm going to nip to the supermarket now.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.