Mosquito Bite: Allergic Reaction or Skin Infection?
A swollen, red bite can be a big allergic reaction or the start of an infection. Here are the signs that separate the two.
A bite that grows to the size of a coin or a palm can be frightening. Often it is a local allergic reaction, but sometimes bacteria enter through a scratched bite and cause cellulitis or impetigo.
A Strong Allergic Reaction
The skin becomes red, swollen, itchy and sometimes warm within hours of the bite, and it usually peaks around one to two days. It improves with cold compresses, an antihistamine and a mild steroid cream used as advised. Children and visitors who have not met local mosquitoes before often react more strongly.
Signs of Infection
Redness that spreads beyond the bite after a day or two, increasing pain, heat, pus or yellow crusts, a red streak towards the armpit or groin, a fever or feeling unwell all point to infection. Impetigo causes honey-coloured crusts, and cellulitis causes a spreading hot, red, tender area.
What to Do
Mark the edge of the redness with a pen and note the time, so you can see if it spreads. Clean the area, avoid scratching and do not use steroid cream on infected skin without advice. A doctor can prescribe an antibiotic if infection is likely.
Seek Help Quickly
Contact a doctor the same day if redness spreads, if you have a fever, or if the bite is on the face or near the eye. Call 112 for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheezing, faintness or widespread hives after a bite.
References
- NHS. Insect bites and stings
- NHS. Cellulitis
E-rx.onlineMore in Travel Health Resources
How to Get a Fit to Fly Certificate in Turkey
Airline asking for a fit to fly certificate? Here is when you need one, what the doctor checks and how to request it before your flight home.
MEDIF Form: Airline Medical Clearance for Travellers in Turkey
Some airlines want a MEDIF form completed by your doctor before they let you fly. Here is what it is and how to get it done in Turkey.
Flying After Surgery, Illness or an Injury: When Is It Safe?
Wondering whether you can fly home after an operation, a chest infection or a fracture? Here is how doctors think about it and what to ask before booking.
Chickenpox on Holiday in Turkey: Symptoms and What to Do
Itchy spots and a fever on holiday? Here is how chickenpox looks, how long it lasts and what to do if you or your child catches it in Turkey.
Gardasil HPV Vaccine in Turkey: What Travellers and Expats Should Know
Thinking about the Gardasil HPV vaccine in Turkey? Here is what it protects against, how many doses you need, and how to arrange it.
Chickenpox and Flying: When Can You Travel Home?
Caught chickenpox on holiday and worried about your flight? Here is how long you are contagious, what airlines expect and how a fit to fly letter helps.
Holiday Tummy Bugs: Prevention and What to Do
Stomach upsets are among the most common holiday illnesses. Here is how to lower your risk and what to do if one strikes.
Shingrix Shingles Vaccine in Turkey: What You Need to Know
Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine against shingles. Here is who should consider it, how the doses work, side effects, and how to arrange it in Turkey.
Chickenpox or Insect Bites? How to Tell the Difference
Itchy red spots after a night in your hotel can be bites, a rash or chickenpox. Here are the clues doctors look for.
Вакцина Гардасил (ВПЧ) в Турции: что нужно знать
Гардасил 9 защищает от вируса папилломы человека. Рассказываем, кому подходит вакцина, сколько нужно доз и как записаться на прививку в Турции.
Blocked Ears After Flying: Airplane Ear Explained
Ear still blocked or painful after a flight? Here is why airplane ear happens, what helps and when to see a doctor.
Вакцина Шингрикс от опоясывающего лишая в Турции
Шингрикс — двухдозовая вакцина против опоясывающего лишая. Кому она нужна, как проходит вакцинация, возможные побочные эффекты и как записаться в Турции.
Ear Still Blocked Days After a Flight? What to Do
If your ear stays blocked for days after landing, it may be fluid behind the eardrum rather than simple pressure. Here is what to try and when to get checked.
Flying With Children: Ear Pain Tips for Parents
Babies and young children often get ear pain on take-off and landing. Here are practical tips for parents and the signs that need a doctor.
Swimmer’s Ear on Holiday in Turkey: Symptoms and Treatment
Itchy, painful ear after swimming? Here is how swimmer’s ear starts, what to do and when you need ear drops from a doctor.
How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear: Pool and Sea Tips
A few simple habits keep water out of your ears and help you enjoy the pool and the sea without painful infections.
Swimmer’s Ear or Middle Ear Infection? Know the Difference
Both cause ear pain, but they are treated differently. Here are the clues that help tell an outer ear infection from a middle ear infection.
Mosquito Bites on Holiday in Turkey: What to Do
Covered in itchy bites after a night by the sea? Here is how to calm them down, avoid infection and know when to get advice.
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites on a Turkish Holiday
A few simple steps keep mosquitoes away from you and your family, from repellents to bedroom habits.
Sun, Heat and Sea: Staying Healthy on a Summer Holiday
Strong sun, swimming and activities can quickly lead to dehydration and sunburn. Here is how to stay safe.