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How Should Swelling In The Hand To Almost Twice The Normal Size After Being Stung By A Wasp Be Managed And Healed?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Oct 2023
Question: I was stung once by a wasp yesterday about 4pm on my hand. No breathing difficulties, nausea or vomiting. However my hand is swollen to almost twice its' normal size. It itches. Moderate pain. I now have a red area creeping up arm. It is warm to the touch.
ER or no ER ...that is the question.
Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I think yes, you should go to ER

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Sting bites are malty not serious .And as you don't have any nausea vomiting or shortness of breath, I understand that there is no anaphylaxis and that's good.

However I am worried about your arm. The swelling warmth indicate probably you have got some cellulitis (infection) and what you said it's spreading so this may need anti biotics.

This much swelling even in absence of infection also need attention as some times the swelling may compress on the blood vessel to causes distal blood flow compromise. So I understand you should move to ER to be very safe.

Hopes this is clear now .Let me know if you have further questions. I will be glad to answer your question.

Regards,
Dr. Rahman
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Mahboob Ur Rahman

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2305 Questions

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How Should Swelling In The Hand To Almost Twice The Normal Size After Being Stung By A Wasp Be Managed And Healed?

Brief Answer: I think yes, you should go to ER Detailed Answer: Hi, Sting bites are malty not serious .And as you don't have any nausea vomiting or shortness of breath, I understand that there is no anaphylaxis and that's good. However I am worried about your arm. The swelling warmth indicate probably you have got some cellulitis (infection) and what you said it's spreading so this may need anti biotics. This much swelling even in absence of infection also need attention as some times the swelling may compress on the blood vessel to causes distal blood flow compromise. So I understand you should move to ER to be very safe. Hopes this is clear now .Let me know if you have further questions. I will be glad to answer your question. Regards, Dr. Rahman