Bug Bites (allergy, ankle, infection, sores)

[Rapture]

The other day our street had an outdoor party and I knew I had a few bites but not until the next morning did I realize how bad. My right foot and ankle are swollen and I have several bumps. Some look like mosquito and some look like fire ants. Very itchy and I have been applying Solarcaine and Aloe. Although uncomfortable, I wasn't worried until it started to swell the whole foot and ankle. I think I've had an allergic reaction but should I be worried about infection? I took Benedryl, helped with itch but makes me sleep. I really don't want to see a doctor over this but should I?

[Steve Bagu]

Cotton soaked with Hydrogen Peroxide and swiped all over the foot will help to kill some of the infection and ease the itching. Swelling is probably due to infection which is normal considering the number of bites you may have. Do this as often as you can during the day. Good luck. Steve

[Viralmd]

It is highly unlikely that your foot is infected. It's more likely a localized allergic reaction. Application an ice pack will help reduce the swelling and soothe the itching. If you have ANY doubt about the presence of an infection you need to be seen by a doctor.

[bluedevilz]

Originally Posted by Rapture

The other day our street had an outdoor party and I knew I had a few bites but not until the next morning did I realize how bad. My right foot and ankle is swollen and I have several bumps. Some look like mosquito and some look like fire ants. Very itchy and I have been applying Solarcaine and Aloe. Although uncomfortable, I wasn't worried until it started to swell the whole foot and ankle. I think I've had an allergic reaction but should I be worried about infection? I took Benedryl, helped with itch but makes me sleep. I really don't want to see a doctor over this but should I?

Topical hydrogen peroxide will do nothing for the itch and is useless if you truly have a cellulitis ( which is not normal despite a number of bugbites)

If benadryl, icing and elevation do not help and you have a red, warm, swollen foot you should be seen to evaluate for infection and treatment of same.

[OrionsAngel]

Can I ask how to stop the itching of knat bites? I was eaten alive over the weekend, little red circles that itch like nothing else! I'll try hydrogen peroxide, but I dont take benadryl or allergy medicines. I tried aloe inside a cucumber melon cooling lotion, but it didnt take the sting out.

[Steve Bagu]

20 yrs ago in Mexico City I got bitten by a green caterpiller while standing under a tree. It bit me just on the hip above my pants belt. It left a bump the size of a 1/2 dollar. It was swollen and itched like crazy. I knew it had to be infected so I soused it with Hydrogen Peroxide during the day and the redness and swelling subsided but left two dots which I call my VAMPIRE bites. Lucky it was not at my jugular vein on my neck or I would have a story to tell. Steve

[Rapture]

Thanks for the tips and opinions. I finially called the doctor because it was getting worse. He called in a perscription for an antibiotic and a steroid. I soaked the foot in epson salts and warm water and it seems less itchy but is still red and swollen. Stay away from those fire ants! It kinda stinks because when I lived in NJ I would sit and even lay in the yard and now that I moved I can't even walk in my yard with flip flops. I guess that's the price I have to pay for low taxes.

[Towhee]

Originally Posted by Rapture

Thanks for the tips and opinions. I finially called the doctor because it was getting worse. He called in a perscription for an antibiotic and a steroid. I soaked the foot in epson salts and warm water and it seems less itchy but is still red and swollen. Stay away from those fire ants! It kinda stinks because when I lived in NJ I would sit and even lay in the yard and now that I moved I can't even walk in my yard with flip flops. I guess that's the price I have to pay for low taxes.

I feel for you. Here, in our yard, it is ticks and chiggers. I used to be able to enjoy my lawn in Idaho, but the bugs eat me up here ! I have never had as serious a reaction as you are having, but do get welts and terrible itching, that end up in sores all over my body ! I truely dread summer here. Thank goodness antihistamines do help me.

[myrc60]

Originally Posted by Rapture

Thanks for the tips and opinions. I finially called the doctor because it was getting worse. He called in a perscription for an antibiotic and a steroid. I soaked the foot in epson salts and warm water and it seems less itchy but is still red and swollen. Stay away from those fire ants! It kinda stinks because when I lived in NJ I would sit and even lay in the yard and now that I moved I can't even walk in my yard with flip flops. I guess that's the price I have to pay for low taxes.

Rapture, that fire ant killer you spread on your lawn does work. Spread it once a year on your lawn...you will still see an occasional hive appear but it controls it pretty good.

We don't spread it in our flower beds and we always get them there.

Epsom salts is good for a number of different ailments.

I'd also suggest you try mega doses of Vitamin C. I take Ester C because it is gentle on the stomach.

[Rapture]

Originally Posted by myrc60

Rapture, that fire ant killer you spread on your lawn does work. Spread it once a year on your lawn...you will still see an occasional hive appear but it controls it pretty good.

We don't spread it in our flower beds and we always get them there.

Epsom salts is good for a number of different ailments.

I'd also suggest you try mega doses of Vitamin C. I take Ester C because it is gentle on the stomach.

Thank you. We do have fire ant killer all over the lawn and there are no hives but I was bit last week and this week anyway? Very strange and the funny thing is I'm the only one on my street that's really afraid of bugs and I had the worst reaction. I think the bugs knew I was bad mouthing them. I also have very sensitive skin, so I'm sure that's part of the problem.