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Suggest Treatment For Radiating Pain Ib The Arm After An Insect Bite

Posted on Sat, 29 Apr 2017

Question: I was bitten on my arm 4 days ago while working in pine straw. I have a large red area about the size of a large orange, a lot of fever in the arm, pain is radiating up arm to shoulder. In center of the redness is a knot that has clear drainage. What should I do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! I have been through your question.

Regarding your concern, I think this is an infected area that could be erysipelas or cellulitis. This occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin.

Firstly, I need to know you are bitten by what and could you please attach/upload a picture of this area?

Based on your situation, with above-mentioned symptoms and being a diabetic I'd suggest to get done a physical examination by an Infectious diseases specialist, culture of the drainage fluid, CBC, C-reactive Protein, fibrinogen in order to define the diagnosis better, to exclude complications and to start an antibiotic treatment (usually in this situation I'd advise my patients I.V. Ampicillin or Cefazolin) for 10-14 days associated with local treatment cream (Neosporin or Polysporin) and antiseptic.

I hope my answer helps you. Feel free to ask further.
I wish you a quick recovery.
Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee