[Nurturing Mama]

My son has a bug bite on his ankle that I noticed last night. This morning his entire ankle is swollen and he keeps pointing to it and saying "ow". I tried applying ice, but he is really fighting that. Is there anything else I could do? My first instinct is to call the doctor, but part of me is saying, it's just a bug bite. What should I do?

BTW, I live in Ohio and can't think of any really dangerous bugs or spiders that live around here.

Thanks.

 

[HollyBearsMom]

Don't know if this will help you or not: We just got back from the Dr's a hour ago because my son woke up with a hugely swollen and puffy cheek/jaw from a spider bite. he must have been bitten during the night and we guess he had an allergic reaction. The NP said ice for swelling and benydryl if its itchy. She offered Zyrtec too but we are hoping the ice will work on the swelling. If the swelling doesn't go down or the spot become hot and red he could have an infection. We prefer not use any antibiotics so we will only go that route as a last resort. He also get these reactions from mosquito bites so we have to very careful. The ped said the key signs to watch for are difficulty breathing if it is an allergic reaction. If that happens call 911 or get to a hospital right away.

 

[Nurturing Mama]

Thank you, HollyBearsMom. It is red, hot, and swollen, but I just checked it again and it doesn't look as swollen or red as it did 20 minutes ago. Maybe he had been scratching it and made it look really nasty. I think I'm going to keep my eye on it, and call the doctor if it gets worse. I will definitely watch for difficulty breathing. That hadn't occurred to me. Thanks so much!

 

[HollyBearsMom]

Glad to hear it's looking better!! Have agreat weekend!

 

[Jessica36]

nak-baking soda mixed with water. it will draw the "toxin" out. Leave on the spot until dries and falls off