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Swelling After Wasp Bite. Took Benadryl, Prednisone. When To Reduce Dosage?
ok, I have a paper wasp bite on inside of the forearm close to the fold at the elbow. Was stung 2 days ago. Still continuing to swell at the moment. its about 11x10 inches,extremely red,hard,almost like blistered skin at the center and then gradually goes to pink. I have taken benadryl since, saw clinic dr today, prescribed prednisone. 30mg daily for 7 days. I took the first dose a few hours ago. Did this because thought it might help but now prefer to not continue taking the prednisone.Can I just let nature take its course and let the swelling go down on its own without the prednisone. I have had this type of reaction to just a flee bite. Its always a localised allergy. At what point do I have to say , ok I have to take the prednisone for sure? if I must take the prednisone, (5mg tablets) can I gradually decrease the dosage after the 2nd day?go down to 1 tablet on the last day.
Tue, 6 Aug 2013
Hi, Thanks for using HCM.
Swelling of 11X 10 inches suggest infection with allergy.
You should take antibiotic(Local or systemic based on examination), Inj TT and proper wound care. To control the rash, itching and swelling antihistamines and steroids should be used and NSAID to prevent inflammation. Apply sterile dressing with betadine, and consult your doctor for management.
You can take Prednisone BD for 3 days, then OD for 3 days and later can be stopped. It controls the inflammation and help reduce swelling.
Hope I answered your question. Consult your doctor for further examination and management.
Feel free to ask me if you have any further queries.
Wish you good health. Take care.
Regards
Swelling of 11X 10 inches suggest infection with allergy.
You should take antibiotic(Local or systemic based on examination), Inj TT and proper wound care. To control the rash, itching and swelling antihistamines and steroids should be used and NSAID to prevent inflammation. Apply sterile dressing with betadine, and consult your doctor for management.
You can take Prednisone BD for 3 days, then OD for 3 days and later can be stopped. It controls the inflammation and help reduce swelling.
Hope I answered your question. Consult your doctor for further examination and management.
Feel free to ask me if you have any further queries.
Wish you good health. Take care.
Regards
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Hello,
It appears you have had a large local reaction with secondary infection.
Large local reactions are common, and as you have not had generalised skin redness, itching, tongue or throat swelling you have NOT had anaphylaxis.
Prednisolone 30mg once daily for 2-3 days is sufficient to lower the swelling, although a potent local steroid cream (clobetasol etc) with antihistamines such as cetzine 10mg for a week.
If you develop severe reactions in the future, you need specific IgE test against wasp venom to exclude allergy.
Best Wishes.
It appears you have had a large local reaction with secondary infection.
Large local reactions are common, and as you have not had generalised skin redness, itching, tongue or throat swelling you have NOT had anaphylaxis.
Prednisolone 30mg once daily for 2-3 days is sufficient to lower the swelling, although a potent local steroid cream (clobetasol etc) with antihistamines such as cetzine 10mg for a week.
If you develop severe reactions in the future, you need specific IgE test against wasp venom to exclude allergy.
Best Wishes.
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