Bug Bite - Opinions Needed

[Phoenix79]

Hello!

I was just wanting some opinions on this bug bite I have in top of my ankle. It itches like crazy, but that's about it. I had it on Monday night, wore shoes that rubbed up against it all day on Tuesday, and came home to see it like this. Yesterday, it had a yellow tint to it, but today it's just all red.

I've ruled out a Brown Recluse bite because its been three days, and it hasn't turned all black and goopy or anything, but it hasn't gotten any better, either. I just wanted everyone's opinions, because I really can't afford to see a doctor right now unless my foot is going to fall off or something. So far, Gold Bond Medicated cream keeps the itching down, and it does itch less than it did yesterday. Its about a 1/2 inch wide, and an inch across. Here's a pic, I took it myself, so it is a funky angle -

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j121/phoenix1979_2006/a6a86cffed281.jpg

Sooo, do you think I'll have to amputate? ;) It hasn't gotten any worse since Tuesday night. Thank you all for your opinions!

Phoenix - itchy-scratchy secretary

[Banrion]

I'm not a medical professional, but this is my advice.
1) Ice it down for 20 or so minutes. See if that helps to reduce the swelling and redness.

2) If you have any ammonia try rubbing some of that on to take out the itch. (FYI ammonia is the main ingredient in the bug bite sticks.)

3) Try taking some benadryl. Bug bites cause histamine release, just like allergens. Benadry can help to calm your body's response.

4) DON'T Scratch at it.

Let me know if this helps.

[NightAngel]

See a doctor. Even if it isn't a Recluse bite that doesn't mean it isn't something equally as bad.

DO NOT SCRATCH!

[Kiwi]

holy camole get yourself off to a doctor quick smart young man

even if it turns out to be nothing, your skin doesnt look like rotting flesh for no reason!!

[RecoveringKinkoid]

I'm not usually one to get all freaked over this sort of thing, but if your bite really does look like that, then you probably need to go on to the doctor and get that looked at. It doesn't look real good. Three days is a long time for something to still be this red and swollen. It really could be a recluse bite, and since you don't know that it isn't, you ought to be safe about it. Especially since it's on your foot, where the circulation is not so good.

At best, it could be an infection...still, not good and needs a doc's attention. Don't play around with this, please.

[Phoenix79]

You all have convinced me, I just left a message for the scheduler at my doctor's office. For the record, I haven't scratched it at all, but my shoe rubbed up against it all day on Tuesday, and that was what I think caused it to swell up and get all huge.

Problem for me is getting there - my boss and all the administrative staff are out on retreat today, and my shift doesn't end until 6pm. Hopefully I can get in to see them late today, rather than tomorrow, and just close the office early . . .

I'm not one to freak out over this type of thing, either, but I thought it should have gone down some by now, or at least stop itching.

Just an FYI, I'm a young lady, not a young man. :) I really do appreciate everyone's advice, thank you so much! I'll let you know what the doc says when I get in to see her.

Phoenix - a bit less itchy

[Kiwi]

Just an FYI, I'm a young lady, not a young man. :)

yipes sorry there buddy... err buddette!!:eek:

[Phoenix79]

No worries here, my friend! ;)

Such things happen in the wonderful world we call the web . . .

I have an appointment tonight at 5:45, I'll update everyone tomorrow on what this little critter that bit me could have been. Thanks again!

Phoenix

[NightAngel]

*points* ha ha

99.9% of the time if I don't have an avi/pic and I just go by Nokomys people assume I'm a guy. :lol:

Sorry. Thread hijack...

[LostMyMind]

Wow, lets start a running odds for what kind of bite that was.

I'm thinking tick (been hunting, tick bites can be pretty nasty)

[Crazyredhead]

Where were you when you got bit. Kinda looks like a black widow bite. Never been bit by one but a friend of mine was and it looks like that.

[Phoenix79]

Well, I didn't make it to the doctor yesterday.

My hubby's car broke down . . . and once we got it fixed, I got there too late.

So we stopped by the pharmacy, and I asked the pharmacist - she said that it does look like a spider bite. She told me if it didn't start to look better by today, I should probably have it checked out.

Today, most of the redness is gone except for the actual bite itself (its still pink). It doesn't itch nearly as bad, either. Sooo, the plan is if it continues to look better tomorrow morning, I should be fine. If I get up tomorrow and it hasn't improved more, I'll be seeing my doc Saturday morning.

It hardly itches today at all, though. I don't remember when I was bit exactly, but I was at home when it happened, I think. Sooo, not much of an update, but an update none the less. Sorry I can't tell you what kind of spider it was, I would love to know! If I end up going tomorrow, I'll update everyone on what it was on Monday. Thanks again for the support!

Phoenix