Urgent - insect bite, foot like balloon, flying home from Japan tomorrow

[hockeypuck]

Hi, kind of like an urgent response on this if anyone knows anything.

DH got bitten on the ankle a few times by something on Monday afternoon. A couple of the bites swelled up and on tuesday he tried to get an appointment with a GP, he had a phone consultation and got prescribed antibiotics. On wednesday he flew to Japan and his foot is still swelling up. I'd say its about 50% bigger now (he's just emailed a photo). He is due to fly home tomorrow, is it safe to fly with such a swollen foot and can anyone recommend what he should do about it. Antibiotics haven't stopped the swelling or anything, but he's not feeling too unwell.

I'm just concerned about septicaemia or DVt or something before he gets home and I can get him to A&E.

I had a similar thing a few years back with a severe allergic reaction to insect bites. My leg and foot swelled to enormous proportions and only antibiotics would sort it out. Can't help with the flying issue though. Is it possible to delay the journey for a few days?

not really donnie, he is there with work. Against his wishes and definitely against mine!

he had better consult the airline then - they have health and medical guidelines don't they?

sorry can't help more!

I flew back from Canada once with a similar problem - the doctor was fine with it and it was OK, uncomfortable but OK. It helped that the airline staff seated me at the front of the plane and with a spare seat next to me, so that I could put my foot up either on the seat or against the wall if I needed to.

The flight increased the swelling slightly, but as my ankle was the same size as my thigh when we took off, it didn't make that much difference! I was expecting it though, as the doctor had told me I might, so it wasn't too alarming.

The anti-biotics are just what he needs - the bites and swelling can cause cellulitis and the anti-biotics will help with that. They may take several days to reduce the pain and swelling though. He could also take anti-histamines if he can get hold of any, just to help with the swelling and the itching.

Get him to tell the airline staff that he has a problem, and ask if there is any way he can be seated so that he can raise his leg. If the flight isn't full they may be able to put him next to an empty seat, as they did for me.

Hope he starts to improve soon.