How do I treat an unidentifiable sting?

Question

I got bitten/stung by something on my forearm an inch or two from my elbow a couple days ago. I have no idea what it could be. However, it has swollen up and gotten painful. The swollen area is several inches across with a half inch to 3/4 inch area in the middle that is red and raised even more. There is no streaking of that area, however the surrounding swelling has a few streaks. I have no other symptoms such as a fever. Is benedryl the best solution? Should I see a doctor?

Answer 1

dude, some african guy taught me when i got biten by a big spider, get some dirt and spit mix it and put it on the bite "NASTY" but ur swelling goes down after like 1 hour after you put it on

Answer 2

If you are that worried about it then the best person to treat and reassure you is your Doctor. However, you might like to apply an antihistamine cream which should help to reduce the swelling. An alternative is something like "waspeze" (its called that in the UK) which contains the antihistamine and a mild local anaesthetic. Whatever bit you has opened the skin and created a small porthole for infection and therefore I do not recommend the earth treatment.

Hope this helps