Can insect bites cause bad reaction?

[Jo1974manchester]

Hi all, I’m just wondering if anyone else has suffered a reaction to insect bites? I seem to have got about 7 or 8 bites on my legs which I can only liken to mosquito bites. Got them on Friday and then felt extremely unwell from Saturday onwards. Feeling really fluey & exhausted, horrendous headache that won’t shift plus really stiff neck like I’ve slept funny. Joints are more painful than normal and just feel generally terrible. Saw GP on Monday who diagnosed water infection plus oral thrush has spread to esoephagus. Been on antibiotics and thrush meds which has improved my mouth and throat sores but other than that I’ve had no other improvement. Missed three days of work so far and really can’t afford to take any more time off but I just haven’t got the energy and pain too much to bear to be in work right now. Just wondering if these bites have anything to do with why I feel so rubbish. I have lupus, Sjogrens and fibromyalgia. Any advice would be greatly received.

[PMRpro]

Are you sure they are insect bites and not a cutaneous manifestation of the autoimmune disorder flaring? Did you ask the GP?

[Jo1974manchester in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro, I mentioned the bites to gp but he just dismissed them really. They are still really itchy and oozing a bit now but having been bitten before (whilst on holiday) I can only say that they feel and look exactly the same. The neck stiffness and pain in my neck is my main problem, I’ve not had this before.

[PMRpro in reply to Jo1974manchester]

Might have had dirty feet - and injected some bugs in with the nibble. Sounds as if they might be a bit infected so do keep an eye on them. And whatever the GP thought - if you don't improve do try to get seen again. They must remember you have a deranged immune system, you may not fight off infections as they think you should. Is the neck stiffness getting worse?

[Jo1974manchester in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely keep my eye on them. The neck pain isn’t getting worse it’s just staying the same so I’ll see how things go over the next couple of days and if no improvement I’ll get back to the GP. Thank you so much for your reply.

[Treetop33]

I am both a magnet for biting insects and I react badly to them. I've found a steroid cream the best, but go to the docs before you do that.

[MEGS53]

Hi Jo. I react very badly dermally to any insect bite and always feel very unwell generally when it happens, much the same as you describe. I'm beginning to wonder if it's related to a Mast Cell Activation Syndrome reaction?? Have you tried taking cetirizine? - please consult your GP before giving it a go.

[weathervane]

Go to gp or casualty , my husband got blood poisoning from a horse fly bite and needed strong antibiotics. Its best to be safe. Best wishes, do keep us updated as they look nasty 🌸

[Meridian99]

My mother has Lupus, Sjogrens etc. She is incredibly allergic to insect bites & has to have antibiotics every time as they go septic. She now won’t go out in the garden at certain times of the day & always covers up head to toe as a precaution. Not sure if it’s related to Lupus though.

[Genealogy66]

I have always suffered from a strong reaction to insect bites even before my recent diagnosis of UCTD. Sometimes it has taken weeks for bites to totally resolve and they can often blister. I have found hydrocortisone cream and/or antihistamine eased the swelling and itching but I would advise asking your GP surgery if it is OK to use them. I try and cover up and use repellent but sometimes still manage to get bitten.

[denden]

Hi got bitten by a spider. Had horrible reaction. Doctor said it was a ‘cross-breed’ between UK spider and black widow spider 🕷.

Was treated. Took long to heal.

Elderly neighbour said, years ago former resident use to breed them as pets and when moving released them!😯 Thus, there are lots of those types of 🕷 around. Why should someone do something like that?😒

Every since, don’t like spiders 🕷 especially those in this neck of the woods. 😐

Really hope you are feeling much better since you posted. If not, as suggested by everyone, please do follow it up with your GP or A&E department. As for me, went to A&E and dermatologist.

[denden]

Hi phillippo, I was so stunned 😦 when she told me. My windows closest to the grassy areas, trees, etc are permanently closed. ☹️ Better safe than sorry 😐

Felt whoever that person\s were they should have been dealt with legally!

My elderly neighbour said she has been bitten more than she even cares to remember! Diabolically Shocking! 😱

[denden]

Wow! 😮Thanks. Didn’t know this! Explains a lot. Been most helpful phillippo.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Jo1974manchester ,

We have an article on our website about lupus and insect bites which may be of interest to you. You can have a read at lupusuk.org.uk/lupus-and-in...

[denden]

Hi phillippo how are you doing and feeling today? Guess what? My daughter went on a spider 🕷 and ant 🐜 hunting spree 😮 😁

In all honesty, we both got fed up. So out came the white vinegar with warm water for the 🐜 and peppermint oil for the 🕷! 🙆‍♀️

Guess that’s telling them for a while yet! 😁 So far proven to be a natural deterrent and gives a lovely ambience to the house. If the fatigue from Lupus wasn’t enough even the bravest of men will upon arrival be snoring 😴 away. 3 consistent days around the house every nook and cranny- well had to laugh 😂.