A&E for insect bites?!

[Letsbookaholiday]

Hi, I just wanted to get a second opinion on this!
6 days ago I woke up with a load of bites on my back (not sure what from as it's been freezing here and haven't seen any mozzies)
Anyhow, they went quite swollen and now look like little blisters. 3 days ago I noticed a swollen gland in my armpit on the side where the bites are. Today I've started getting some stabbing type pains around the bites and I'm feeling a bit unwell.

I called 111 thinking they'd ask me to send some pics and maybe prescribe antibiotics if needed, but they said I couldn't send pics and told me to go to A&E within an hour!

I've added some pics. The scabby one is today and the other one from a couple of days ago.

I just think it seems crazy to go to A&E for insect bites and don't think I'm going to bother (unless I start feeling worse). Would you do the same?

I’d speak to a pharmacist. That’s not an A&E thing to me (caveat, I’m not medically trained).

I'd take an antihistamine and pop some cream on.

Also, check your temp. They just look like normal, annoying bites to me.

I definitely wouldn’t go to A&E for those! As PP has already said, find a Pharmacist

They don't look infected id get antihistamine and put a cold pack on them. Draw round them to keep an eye that they aren't spreading.

Have you been away anywhere? Some of the bites are in rows which could be indicative of bed bugs

They don't look that bad but track them. My bio has just had 24 hours in hospital on it antibiotics because of
Cellulitis from a bit but his was hugely swollen.

Are they just on one side of your back ? If so it could be shingles. Ask a pharmacist - this is one of the ailments they can prescribe direct. Shingles can be seriously painful and make you feel very unwell, and if it is shingles then you need to the anti virals asap for them to be effective.

Actually I think shingles is a good call.

Either way, is there an OOH pharmacy you can attend? If not, ring 111 back, suggest it's shingles and ask to see the OOH GP?

I react like that everytime I get bitten, antihistamine,germolene and a cold pack then a visit to a pharmacy or GP tomorrow UNLESS you've been somewhere exotic or get proper flu like symptoms.

Looks atypical but could be shingles, especially with swollen lymph nodes and feeling unwell. Are they all on the same side?

Don’t think I’d go to A&E today unless you begin to feel very unwell, but it’s a GP job for tomorrow, or urgent care walk-in if no GP availability.

ETA can also go to a pharmacy provided you aren’t too unwell. I completely forgot about the new ‘Pharmacy First’ thing.

Antihistamine tablets and 1% hydrocortisone cream sorts it for me as long as not infected. I get bitten a lot. Draw around them and see if they spread - if they do you might need antibiotics.

Thanks everyone! I hadn't thought of shingles actually, does shingles make you itch like bites?

I did panic about bedbugs but there haven't been any other bites for myself or anyone else in the house, and no signs in the bed. We also haven't been anywhere recently to bring them back. It's so bizarre, I've been wearing jumpers up until a couple of days ago as it's been so chilly.

I have found an pharmacist that's open so will head over there. Thanks for everyone's advice

Yes they're all on one side, and the swollen lymph node is on that side too

Can do, people sometimes describe it as an almost electrical feeling but it can definitely feel itchy!

Ladies you were right - it's shingles! The pharmacist has given me a big box of antivirals so hoping they ease the pain and itch soon.

I never would have guessed shingles, so I'm really grateful for all your advice!
I won't bother with 111 next time, I'm coming straight to Mumsnet 😄

Amazing that you could be seen today! At least you know what it is now and are on the correct treatment.

Rest up and look after yourself!

Also - calamine lotion helps!