Huge insect bite reaction on leg, what to do?

[WonderingWhy]

This is my leg, not Ds's - I got bitten 2 nights ago, not sure what by, and my thigh has swollen up - the bits is red and very big, with a hard area of reddish skin about 6 inches across all around it.
I'm not in pain, it just itches and I've been using eurax hydrocortisone which helps a bit, but should I be doing anything else to get rid/help fight whatever it's reacting to?

TIA

Sorry BITE not bits!

It should have gone down by morning - cold compresses will take the heat out of it and if you have any anti-histamine tablets, take one. That will stop your body's reaction.

Tis a bugger I know, a mozzie got me the other day!

Thankyou WMMC

As long as it's normale to be so huge..

Haven't any piriton etc so will just try the ice.
And try not to scratch!

Anti histamine tablets and anti histamine cream.

Sounds a nasty one!

Have got just the same on my leg, after a bite last night - am using anti-hist and hoping for the best, as am on show this weekend

Hi! So many people get this every summer - DH had one on his ankle last year and it was huge. Have you tried an antiinflammatory? like ibuprofen?

A good port of call would be a local pharmacist who can suggest ways of reducing swelling and guide you as to medication (depending if you're on other meds/pregnant/breastfeeding)

or even better if you can get to see your GP as you may need anti-biotics as these bites can lead to infection/cellulitis which can be very nasty

Hope it's better soon x

Oh no, it's a good thing - it shows your immune system is very efficient. The only time you need to worry is if you have breathing difficulties or your veins start to track from the centre of the bite (this can indicate blood poisoning).

Keep leg elevated

Take antihistamine tablets

Cool compresses

Do not scratch

Might be an idea to draw around the red area with a pen so you can easily assess if it gets bigger ( docotors often do this I am not making it up)

She's right, you know (my patients think I'be lost it when I get the marker pen out)

Oh and don't wear tight socks - you need to maximise circulation to allow the fluid to escape when the swelling goes down.

Indeed. I once got called home from work so that I could draw on DH's groin and thigh. He couldn't see it all properly.

PeaGreene - so in effect, you drew a bullseye to make it easier for the bugs to spot him next time?

And a big arrow saying "aim here"

Wow, thankyou all - it has gone down a bit today, realised shouldn't be using eurax as am breastfeeding
Oh well
Baby still alive

lol at the target!