Enormous insect bite on arm... can't take antihistamines... what to do??

[TigerFeet]

I was bitten on my forearm by a wee beastie last night and this morning the bite is 3-4" in diameter, hot, sore and itchy. My whole forearm aches.

Can I / should I ignore it? At the moment it's an annoyance rather than a real problem but it seems to be getting worse

I often react like this to insect bites and usually an antihistamine helps but I don't think I can take them whilst bfing

Any ideas?

Anthisan cream is v good.

Can you use a steroid cream?

My husband reacts to bites really badly. It becomes a problem if it starts to turn into a pus filled blister then an open sore. Risk of blood poisoning. The doc will prescribe you with a massive dose of antibiotics.

Steroid cream for insect bites should stop this happening. I'd get down to the chemist to see what they can recommend.

thanks guys

already slathered in anthisan

i'll look into the steroid cream in case it gets any worse

You can take antihistamines while BF, I took piriton (and loratidine too). Ask pharmacist...

lavendar essential oil. Dabbed on the bite stops the itch and is antiseptic.

This might sound stupid - but try some toothpaste. Really good at taking the itch out of stings.

thanks all

it's no worse this evening thankfully

i was just hoping that no one came on and said "ooh you must get it seen to, my brother's girlfriend's dog's previous owner's aunt's best friend had one of those and her arm fell off"

i'll give the toothpaste a try, and i have some lavender oil too