CAUTION: Scratching a mosquito bite

[BobBski]

While sitting/Fishing bankside the other night, my right ankle started to itch real bad from a couple mosquito bites.  Instead of ignoring it or rubbing them with my hand I just used the heel of my left foot.  Evidently my shoe had something on it as within an hour the bites started to flare up.  By morning my whole shin was swollen and hurt like the dickens.  Looked up the closest hospital and went to the Urgent Care Unit.  Bacterial infection called Cellulitis.  They gave me an antibiotic prescription, 9 pills a day, 3 every 8 hours, for 10 days; as well some antibiotic cream.  Told me to keep it elevated and  put warm rag on it as well.  First time sick in several years.  Thank goodness for audio books. Don’t think I’ll scratch another itch.   

 

[bigsallysmom]

So glad you didn't try to tough it out. It's certainly a lesson for me.

 

[BobBski]

Me too. It’s hard to get me to go to a doctor, but this got my attention lol

 

[TrainChaser]

It looks awful.

 

[Dennis]

Eww.. I use Hydrocortisone cream on mosquito and chigger bites. Otherwise I'm scratching for hours.

 

[Queen]

Glad you got to a doc asap, Bob, cellulitis is nothing to mess with! I've had it four times now and those hot compresses with help a lot.

 

[tav-2020]

In general to relieve itchy mosquito bites, have you tried plantain? a weed/grass...maybe hard to find in desert but usually is growing ANYWHERE there is grass! My dogs love to eat it too...
Info here:https://wellnessmama.com/4638/plantain-herb-profile/

I tried it -- pulled it from my yard, chewed on it a bit and then rubbed the mulchy mess on bite..itch went right away and the next day you could hardly see where it had been

 

[WalkaboutTed]

Bob, are you diabetic? For those of you with diabetes, it's really important to get anything that even looks questionable immediate attention and care.

I'm not assuming you have diabetes, but this is a public service announcement from your friendly, neighbourhood RN. A lot of diabetics have neuropathy in their feet (I do), where feeling is reduced. That, coupled with ideal situations (elevated blood sugar to feed the bugs and often, decreased circulation), result in stealthy infections. That why medical professionals recommend daily foot inspections. Every evening when camping (I wear sandals), I wash my grubby feet, which also has the dual purpose of inspecting them.
Ted

 

[BobBski]

Great info Ted and no not diabetic.

 

[rayrey]

Bob

In the skeeters are bigger here, meaner here department, you win.

 

[jimindenver]

Bob

In the skeeters are bigger here, meaner here type of debate....you win.

 

[minidonks1]

Bob

In the skeeters are bigger here, meaner here type of debate....you win.

Hope you are doing well today!

 

[frater secessus]

...medical professionals recommend daily foot inspections.  Every evening when camping (I wear sandals), I wash my grubby feet, which also has the dual purpose of inspecting them. 

This reminds me:  there was a scifi series where the main character was unable to feel pain in his fingers, etc, because of leprosy.  He had to check himself out every few minutes to make sure he didn't injure himself unknowingly.  I think he called it VCE, visual check of extremities.  Maybe visual search of extremities.

 

[BobBski]

Posted in wrong thread.