Cellulitus from mosquito bite?

Question:

last night i was bit by what i think was a mosquito because my calf became itchy and swollen. I typically have a mosquito allergy where the bite sites become gold ball sized and continue to itch. However, on the bite on my calf (back of calf) the area has become hard ( about 2" x 2"), slightly red, and painful. When i squat down it was quite painful, to the point where i had to sit down. It had also been itchy though. So ive been scratching it because it itches but when i scratch it it hurts =( i havent had much luck with the benedryl that i took 2 hours ago ( im 17 and weigh 125 lbs and i took 3 =[ ) umm and topical anti-itch gels have stopped the itch for a short period of time but not long enough. I don't know what to do anymore!! ice also has helped for a short period of time but not long enough either. If anyone has had a similar experience please help! it says on mayoclinic.com that cellulitus can be a side effect of a mosquito bite that was carrying the bacteria.. TYIA <33

Answers:
yes it is possible to develop cellulitis from a mosquito bite...

Cellulitis is a general term for infection of the skin with swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation (swelling)..

In the hospital I have seen and cared for many patients who've had cellulitis from many different causes...

spider bites, cat bites, dog bites, athlete's type fungal infections of the feet, cysts from infected hair follicles, cuts from a household object, nail punctures, diabetic ulcers, rashes, and sometimes they had no idea where it came from...

Since you are young and relatively healthy... I would recommend putting a little hydrocortisone cream on it and wait a day or so... also take a mild pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil as long as you are not allergic. (advil is better to help with swelling )

If the pain worsens or the swelling persists and does not get better in another day, please see your primary care physician. he will most likely order a mild steroid such as prednisone to help control the allergic response and stop the swelling... if he feels it has become infected... he may order Antibiotics..

Signs of infection include drainage of fluid, especially pus... increase /worsening of the pain, swelling, or redness... as well as increased warmth/heat around the site..

Hope this helps...

Good Luck,

Angie R.N.

Cellulitus from mosquito bite?

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