Bite with spreading redness - how urgent?

[RealLifeClanger]

Over the past few days, a spot/bite on my 8 year old has got worse and has redness around it that has today got noticeably larger. Been using some fusidin that we had from a while ago but it isn't helping. Annoyingly I didn't check it this morning and have only just checked it at bedtime and it is much worse than yesterday. How urgent is it to get these things checked out and medicated? She is fine in herself atm but with the redness spreading I am worried about cellulitis.

Get to a doctor tomorrow, this could be a tic bite.
Sounds like antibiotics are needed.

@Nevergotdivorced that's the plan, I'm just concerned about waiting till tomorrow tbh as it's hot and very angry looking :/

Is it hot to the touch? Does she feel unwell?

Draw a line around the outside edge of the red area.

If it's expanding rapidly or she has a fever or becomes unwell you may need assistance sooner.

I had a bite that got hot and red. I am certain it was a spider bite.
after 4 days it kept getting a lot worse, went to a walk in centre and they said cellulitis and I got antibiotics. It was pretty nasty!

@NameChanges123 it is hot and has most definitely expanded since yesterday

How far from the original spot/bite has it spread?

@Lakel it's about 2.5 - 3 inches in diameter I think.

Pharmacists can now prescribe antibiotics for infected insect bites, I’m not sure if any would be available now though?

Draw a circle round the red area with a biro pen and take a photo on your phone. Dont wash it off.

Do this again in a couple of hours to see if it’s getting bigger and if so take him to the minor injuries at the hospital out of hours.

If it’s an allergic reaction then i don't think fuciden cream will help, thats for infections . If it an allergy he would need an antihistamine cream .

( im NOT a doctor).

My son got bitten by something months ago.
We were advised by a nurse to take an anti histamine, wash and dry and no touching. Circle and if still spreading in 12 hrs seek further medical advice.

That sounds quite big. I’d say do as @NameChanges123 said and draw a line around the edge and check it in an hour or so to see if it’s spreading.

My partner has got a similar thing. He went to the pharmacy and got antibiotics prescribed by them straight away.

I’m allergic to insect bites and get dramatic redness and swelling. First point of call is always to take an antihistamine tablet. You can apply steroid cream too. Draw a line around the redness and if it keeps getting bigger see a doctor ( though they usually suggest antihistamines!).

If there's an evening pharmacy open, they can look at it and prescribe antibiotics then and there (although it's getting a bit late now).

IF it's cellulitis (and it being hot points to the fact that it might be), this can get serious quite quickly. Any feeling unwell or (other) marks on the skin indicate you should get help straight away.

If there's any chance of a trip to A&E, pack a bag now (although children are probably seen more quickly than adults). Recently, I was in A&E for 9 and 12 hours. The first time was an overnighter and I didn't take anything, which was a mistake.

@NameChanges123 thanks, I've done the line round it and put her in bed with me so I can keep an eye on in. Will keep checking it through the night. She's still ok in herself so hopefully we'll be ok for gp/pharmacy in the morning.

Awww, I hope she's ok.

I've had cellulitis before (and other reactions) to insect bites. It's not nice...

Check her core temp too
Also check to see if it's tracking
Good luck and also do t forget to call non emergency for advice too

This happened to us - antihistamine straight away - draw line round with eyeliner - ring 111 for advice. We were sent to an out of hours I had never been before because it did keep spreading and was getting close to eye. They prescribed antibiotics- I kept off school the next day and within 24 hours was much better. All gone in 5 days.