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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Bit By Horsefly. Raised Bump With Itching. Why Did My Leg Swell With Redness Later?

I was bit 2 days ago by a horsefly. It initially reacted the way that is normal for me, large raised bump with pretty immeditate itching. I was bit 3 times in 3 areas in a few minutes- left knee , inside upper right knee and upper outer right thigh. The one on the inside of my right knee created a large red area and it also seemed to swell my leg in that area and is a little tender when pushed on. It still itches pretty bad (the other 2 bites haven t itched since shortly after getting bit. the actual bite has turned a purple color. Never had this reaction to a horsefly bite before. Do I need to be concerned or give it some more time? It s been approx. 56 hours since being bit.
Tue, 21 Aug 2012
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi there,

Thanks for writing in.

As of now, I feel you might want to give a trial with over the counter oral anti histamines like piriton and apply some hydrocortisone cream at the site of the bite where it itches. Horse fly bites do take a while to heal.

In the presence of other symptoms like fever, wheezing , gradually progressive swelling of the leg, pus formation, with pain increasing in intensity, I would say visit your doctor immediately. If this is the case you might require antibiotics.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan

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Bit By Horsefly. Raised Bump With Itching. Why Did My Leg Swell With Redness Later?

Hi there, Thanks for writing in. As of now, I feel you might want to give a trial with over the counter oral anti histamines like piriton and apply some hydrocortisone cream at the site of the bite where it itches. Horse fly bites do take a while to heal. In the presence of other symptoms like fever, wheezing , gradually progressive swelling of the leg, pus formation, with pain increasing in intensity, I would say visit your doctor immediately. If this is the case you might require antibiotics. Hope this helps. Regards, Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan