Insect Bites

[Par3]

I know there have been posts on reaction to insect bites but I am hoping to find some answers to fairly severe swellings and closure of my eyes from bites. Its been 3 times in the last month and I've been on anti biotics each time as well. Once I got bit at night while sleeping. I'm on watch and wait now for a year and other than WBC and Lymphocytes a little high no other big B symptoms. I'm going to start anti histamine every day and wearing a net over my head when outdoors. Any feedback would be appreciated. Starting to feel like I can't go outside.....

[Tommays56]

Hi Par

I spent a lot of time outdoors before my CLL diagnosis and the first noticeable change was developing a lot more allergies and strong reactions to bites

My body has adapted to the new higher blood levels and currently things have improved and this year has been much better

[Par3 in reply to Tommays56]

Thanks so much for your reply, it gives me some hope. Last year I only had one bad reaction. I guess I'll just be careful and hopefully I will adapt as well. We retired in a rural area so its hard not to to be outside. Do you take anti histamines or use a net over your head?

[Tommays56 in reply to Par3]

I find right now I am ok without any medication

But I have needed nasal sprays a Biro powder inhaler and much time to recover from the outside

[Elliot43]

I’ve had major problems with mosquito bites and some black ant bites too. I’ve always had allergic reactions. Especially since coming to Australia from UK. Many moons ago!! They got worse too with CLL. Huge swellings eyes , face, arms and feet. all soft tissues especially vulnerable. This is my sixth yr of remission now.. my reaction is slightly better. But I do try to take care. Stay indoors at dusk and dawn. I also have a mossie net for my bed. Mainly for summer months here in WA it’s get hot and mosquitoes abound. Also lots of DEET ++ insect cream or spray. Long sleeve shirts. Basically cover up. But they love me darn it. Cos I’ve i have sweet pommie blood!!!

Sheila🇦🇺🇬🇧

[210savannah]

I have terrible reactions to mosquito bites, ant bites, black flies, spiders. I swell and itch and it turns red. I have been to the doctor for steroid shots and creams and steroid oral meds. I thought when I started on Ibrutinib I thought it would help but it hasn’t. I take Benadryl and use a prescription cream. Still have lots of issues with it! And the bites take forever to heal!!

[Cherieann]

I am newly diagnosed as of Dec 2018. Last summer I noticed my reactions to mosquito bites was worse and this year they are a bit better. I got a prescription cream from the dermatologist and I put an ice pack on them 2-3 x day the first couple of days. I also take Xyzal daily. My skin is definitely more sensitive with CLL on board.

[Chelt16]

Hi - I have realised that I've a broad range of immune histamine reactions this year - chronic nasal congestion since February, eczema on eyes, mouth and neck, hives plus huge reaction to bites in UK and abroad this Summer. I've realised I'm going to have go further back from low thyroid needs and change my diet and get more advice as to what are the triggers for these symptoms. My symptoms are only minimally subdued by steroid cream, antihistamines and certainly short term treatment ain't going to help the histamine imbalance that's going on.

I found quite a lot of information on line about histamine and its role in our bodies. I'm seeing my GP next week for review and will try to get to discuss what my immune is doing and how to proceed! I've started by finding a histamine diet and hope this reduces the overreaction that is going on. Desperate for a good night's sleep😵

[mdsp7]

My husband taught me a great remedy for insect and spider bites:

Keep Witch Hazel and a styptic pencil on hand. As soon as you notice a bite, wet the styptic pencil well with Witch Hazel and gently roll the styptic pencil over the bite until you see that a layer of material has been deposited on the area. Do this a few times, then rinse the pencil off and put it away.

When I use this treatment, I usually find that the pain or itch vanishes quickly. I don't know why, but I am thrilled to have this remedy in my back pocket.

If you try it, I hope it helps. Best wishes!