Bad Reaction To Mozzy Bites

[Barmaid]

Got bitten a couple of weeks ago on my leg. It swelled and it swelled until I had a 7 inch round angry red lump on the inside of my knee. Joint was painful, walking was painful and it blummin hurt. Home treated with antihistamines and ibuprofen.

Sat night, I got bitten on the outside of (and just above) my elbow. So far lump is about 2.5 inches round and growing and painful.

I have to take lots of notes this week (bite is on right arm, I am right handed) - a recording device is not an option (not allowed in Court). Whole thing is starting to ache like a B****.

Anything else anyone can suggest, last night I actually wanted to chew my own arm off.

Ta.

[anneasquith]

My friends bites became infected, required antibiotics ?

[mazie]

Be careful BM. Happened to me 3 years ago... Strong course of antibiotics...here's the link to my post and some of the advice given..

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Health-and-Fitness/Question1267417.html

[Barmaid]

I am certain this is not infected, Anne. I had a skin infection 2 years ago with a bite on my foot - that was a whole different ball game. I ended up seeking an emergency GP (I was in Wales at the time doing the catering for my sister in law's wedding) and she gave me the choice of a combination of horse tranquilisers and hi-dose antibios or IV in hospital.......

[anneasquith]

Still think a doc/ nurse should " have a look ". IMO :-)

[Barmaid]

BUggeration, Anne. You are probably right though.

Mazie - that looks awful. I dont have any blistering. Just a slight weep where I have obviously taken the scab off in the night.

My mother said I have always reacted badly to bites. I just wanted to stop the continuing bloody ache before I have to sit in Court all day.

[Smowball]

Sounds horrible. A cure for a really itchy bite is to hold a teaspoon under a hot tap until spoon is hot not not enough to burn and then hold on burn for 10-12 seconds.

[Barmaid]

I can live with the itching Smow. In fact it doesnt itch THAT often. Its just the swelling.

The bite on my leg took about a week to go down. That was weird because I had a definite white line around the swelling and when it eventually started to go down that is when it itched like hell.

I guess I should drink more wine - so my blood is unnattractive. Or move away from a great expanse of still water.

[douglas9401]

Hi Barmaid, I had a similar problem in Spain acouple of weeks ago with their latest African import, the tiger mosquito. I had no real pain but the swelling itching and weeping sound about the same.
Our hosts, resident for over ten years now, recommended Fucidine H hydrocortisone cream plus antihistamine and oral painkillers. It seemed to do the trick although the sites of the bites are still tender to the touch.
Sad to report the no amount of alcohol persuaded the silent attackers to dine elsewhere despite my very best efforts.
Hope you get relief soon.

[cupid04]

Antihistamines might help...

[Khandro]

Poor thing! It sounds as if it is something other than a mosquito though, perhaps a horse fly;
http://www.md-health.com/Horsefly-Bite.html

[Barmaid]

Douglas - is Fucidine H hydrocortisone cream available over the counter do you know? I've been using Anthisan.

I've been taking Piriteze and ibuprofen (Dr Sqad will be pleased that his shares in the ibuprofen companies are safe ;) )

If I didnt have to go out this week, I wouldnt bother, but just knowing how the leg issue progressed I am thinking I ought to do something before I have to say to the Judge "Can you stop talking now please m'lud, cos my poorly arm is all hurty".

[Barmaid]

Khandro - definitely a mozzy. Havent seen a horse fly for weeks. But we are loused out with bleeding mosquitos. This is the only downside of living 20 feet from an enormous still water lake.

[anneasquith]

BM. If you are reluctant to see a doc/nurse, , visit your pharmacist for an opinion.( a vastly under used service) IMO

[douglas9401]

I'm not sure about over the counter in the UK, Barmaid, I got mine in Spain.
It's advertised online by various companies at pretty eye-watering prices though compared to the couple of Euros I was charged.
Maybe, as Anne suggests, a word with your pharmacist would point you in the right direction.

[Barmaid]

Yeah I think I'll pop down the chemists later (not that I can go anywhere due to Mr Stupid Idiot I Live With having taken ALL the house keys with him).

Our local pharmacy is quite good. I'll try that as an opener since I really dont want to take up any doctor/nurse's time.

[meglet]

Fucidine is prescription only as it was prescribed for my daughter's eczema.

[Sqad]

douglas has the right idea......but instead of Fucidin HC////just cortisone 0.5% and really smear it on.
Ibuprofen 600 mgms three times a day.

[tamborine]

In your home hair tint pack there is a container of hydrogen peroxide. Apply a thumb-print on your bites. HP disinfects, coagulates & stops itching.

[Khandro]

Barmaid: I've been smiling all afternoon at your epithet for your partner :0)

[Peter Pedant]

yeah bambam
these are not mozzy bites but infected horse flies ( diptera ) clegg
you will need antibiotics
GP tomorrow

I spend a lot of the hot sunny days with jeans on and long sleeve chirts
- shaded spots near water are ... fatal