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Suggest Remedies For Persistent Swelling In Arm After Insect Bite

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Posted on Fri, 8 Jul 2016
Question: My husband was bitten by a horsefly and his hand has swelled up quite a bit and is reddish purplez He has dificulty bending his fingers. He took a Benadryl capsule and rubbed Benadryl cream in it but it's looking more swollen and red. Any suggestions?
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
reaction to horse fly

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I am sorry to hear that your husband was bitten by a horse fly. They are tremendously painful and they can cause local allergic reactions. I would recommend the following to help reduce the swelling.

1. elevate the hand
2. Apply ice
3. Use hydrocortisone 4 times daily
4. If available use a higher strength steroid cream like triamcinalone. Or see your medical provider for a higher strength steroid cream
5. If worsens it may become infected and need antibiotics and oral steroids. See your medical provider if this worsens or he develops fever

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have and additional questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For Persistent Swelling In Arm After Insect Bite

Brief Answer: reaction to horse fly Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns I am sorry to hear that your husband was bitten by a horse fly. They are tremendously painful and they can cause local allergic reactions. I would recommend the following to help reduce the swelling. 1. elevate the hand 2. Apply ice 3. Use hydrocortisone 4 times daily 4. If available use a higher strength steroid cream like triamcinalone. Or see your medical provider for a higher strength steroid cream 5. If worsens it may become infected and need antibiotics and oral steroids. See your medical provider if this worsens or he develops fever I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have and additional questions