wasp stings

[Matt917]

I never post ,I usually just read through messages.I have had CLL for 4 yrs now and am taking Imbruvica.all is well but recently had very bad reaction to wasp stings.each time I needed antibiotics because bite got infected seems like instantly.anyone else experience this crazy reaction??

[SofiaDeo]

About 25% of CLL patients have some sort of skin problems, and some patients can also develop additional skin sensitivity or problems while on ibrutinib. I haven't had any wasp stings, but I have had some mosquito and spider bites, and my skin reacts much differently than pre-CLL. The 2020 article below states "There are also increased reactions to insect bites, generalized itching, exfoliative erythroderma, nodular erythema, paraneoplastic pemphigoid, bullous pemphigoid, drug eruption" when talking about skin problems in CLL patients:

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/328...

For a while I was having skin staph infections, and I used an antibacterial soap (Hibiclens/chlorhexidine) to help remove extra bacteria from my skin. Depending on what type of infections you are getting, this or a different antibacterial soap may help prevent infections moving forward. Only do this under a doctor supervision like I did, because one can also get problems from aggresssive use of antibacterial soaps on certain skins. The doc would want to monitor if the frequency of your soap use, or even the type of soap, was causing problems instead of helping. The soaps aren't prescription only, it's just, if we have sensitized skin from CLL we perhaps shouldn't just blindly use something that helped another person, we may be different than them. Always mention OTC stuff you are doing, even if it's "I switched laundry detergent" or "I started using fabric softener". Using new clothes without washing them first, spraying Febreze all over your couch or chair, spraying Microban all over your solid surfaces. New perfumes or body lotions. Anything touching or affecting our skin can set one off, if skin is sensitized.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi Matt917,

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SofiaDeo has given an excellent answer - the NIH reference confirms that skin problems are common among us.

If you want to read more specific experiences with Wasp stings from past postings look for the box on this page labeled: Related Posts

*Wasp sting healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

*Wasp sting reaction healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

*Insect stings and nettle stings healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

*BEE sting, or something else? healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

*Insect sting and CLL healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

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The contents in that box will change to match the title of each posting, so always look for the closest match there.

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Len

[Matt917]

thanks Guys for replies.that’s why I love this message board .great info and feedback!

[Jackpot]

Hi Matt917,

I was bitten by a wasp on the back of my neck at the end of March and had quite a bad reaction. I was also bitten by a wasp below my neck just above my sternum almost seven weeks ago and it still has not completely resolved. It hurt like crazy and became very inflamed and swollen. I took a round of antibiotics and had a special anti inflammatory creme to put on it. Not sure either helped. I have always had bad reactions to bug bites, even as a child, long before I was diagnosed with SLL. So, you are not alone. All I think is…..wasps are not my friend.

Cindy

[Winegrape]

Yes,I am experiencing a similar problem but from mosquito bites.

[Barney2866]

yes, since being diagnosed with cll I have been stung twice and had allergic reaction. Previously I didn’t like them but no reaction.

[111853]

yes, In my case it was mosquitos but still a crazy reaction each time. All while I was on W&W. I am now on irutinib so I will be extra careful next spring and summer when mosquitos are at their worst. The bites were on my legs and ankles and they caused swelling as well as infection. I iced constantly and took a round of antibiotics.

[lexie]

I have always had an exaggerated response to paper wasp stings. I have been stung by honeybees, hornets, yellow jackets and bumblebees but beyond some slight uncomfortable local swelling nothing like the whole arm swelling from paper wasps. This was pre-CLL so I worry about paper wasp stings with CLL as I imagine much worse now. I always keep Benadryl on hand. The other types of bee stings were with CLL so still not reacting much to those.

[AntonMB]

I would recommend buying an 'Aspivenin Pump' for Insect Bites and Stings. It uses suction to draw out venom from bites and stings. I have used one for many years both pre and post diagnosis. (I was diagnosed with CLL 6 years ago and am currently being treated with Acalabrutinib, having been treated with FCR in 2018.)Coincidentally I was stung by a wasp yesterday and quickly used the aspivenin pump. I suffered no further pain or reaction to the sting and a small red mark is the only evidence I was stung at all.