Advice Please Sqad Or Anyone ........

[Ann]

Hi Sqad. I have a large itchy bite on the back of my leg from standing chatting in the garden late in the evening on Thursday (that will teach me!) Someone has suggested it is a horse fly bite but I'm not sure.

Its certainly not getting any better, its surrounded by red skin and it itches intensely. As its Saturday our MTU isn't open so I can't go and get it checked out. I have been using a Bite and Sting relief cream containing Hydrocortisone 1%.(Pinewood's) Should I be taking an antihistamine too? If so which is the best I can buy over the counter and will it react with my other meds for BP and Lansoprasole etc. Many thanks.

[Sharingan]

Is it a Blandford fly bite Ann? Where do you live as theyre quite regional specific, but I had two the other day and they're still huge and horrible, they take ages to go.

[Ann]

We live in East Midlands - think the Blandford fly is in Dorset?

[Sqad]

My opinion:....continue the Bite and Sting Relief cream as it contains 1% hydrocortisone, which does take longer to "kick in" than antihistamine cream.

I am not keen on antihistamines by mouth for bites.

I would also take Ibuprofen 600mgms for the pain.

[pixie373]

Antihistamine should help with the itching. I'm not aware of any medications you can't take it with, but you could double-check with pharmacist

[woofgang]

sqad is about but if you can get to a chemist, the pharmacist will be able to advise regarding the best thing to use and drug interactions.

[Sharingan]

We're Herefordshire and we have them here and I think they're in East Anglia as well, mine are quite old now but still absolutely huge and angry. Damn things:(

[woofgang]

can I ask sqad why you aren't keen on oral antihistamine for bites? if I've got one or two then i use cream, but if there are loads then I find a tablet more convenient.

[Ann]

Thanks Sqad and all you kind people for your advice - better than a walk-in centre!
Would an antihistamine cream be better to use rather than the hydrocortisone bite cream - I can pop into town to buy one if you think that would reduce it and stop this awful itching (not pain) I just don't want it to become infected - how would I know if it was?

[Sqad]

woofy......."using a hammer to crack a nut".............

If one has systemic effects of an allergic response.....fine.....antihistamines by mouth or even injection...BUT...a localised bite, needs localised antihistamines rather than "flooding " the whole body with them.

Just my thoughts.

[Sqad]

Infection is "in the lap of the Gods" and your immune system.

if it becomes red, swollen and hot and you feel ill in yourself, then it is "probably" infected.

No, i would stick to the hydrocortisone cream.

[pixie373]

I agree with sqad. Personally, i would leave it, if it were me, guessing it would settle in a couple of days anyway. Although, we're all different, so if it's really bothering you, Ann, the phramacy will have something they can advise x

[woofgang]

ok thanks sqad.

[Ann]

Thanks Sqad, you are so helpful (you deserve a big x from me!)

[Sqad]

Thanks Ann....when can i collect it?.....the kiss that is...

[grasscarp]

Sqad behave yourself. There is a line between doctor and patient that should not be crossed. I just had to change that as I had typed dictor!

[FredPuli43]

Nature notes, by Farmer Fred: If that be a horse fly, you'd know. They don't half give you gyp. They have mouth parts like a chisel for cutting grooves in wood, and these do the same to your flesh. That's why horses leap about when they get bitten by one.

[netibiza]

I use one of those "clicker" things which punch holes in the bite!

[Ann]

I have one of those clicking gadgets Neti but only usually use them on mozzie bites abroad. Do you think I should use it on mine? This bite has a centre spot but the surrounding skin is in a red circle now measuring about 6 inches diameter, its swollen too like a huge wheal, and the itching is awful. Vile little critter!

PS Sqad - I will deliver the x in person if you pay the airfare and all accommodation expenses, haven't had a holiday yet LOL ;) x

[anneasquith]

ask advice from the pharmacist ( no disrespect sqad ) :)

[gness]

Floosie!! ;-) x