Bit By A Bed Bug. Swollen Toe, Painful While Walking. What To Do To Reduce Pain ?

Posted on Wed, 16 May 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 May 2012 Answered on

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I was bit by what appeared to be a bed bug yesterday morning on the toe second to my big toe. Today my toe was swollen and painful when walking, and now it gas swollen even more. I have it elevated but want to kniw if there is anything I can do to ease the swelling and pain?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Yogesh D (8 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thank you for posting your query.

I understand your concern.

I have seen the attached photographs.

As per your description and the photograph, I certainly feel you did get bitten by some insect.

Generally, insect bites don't cause such swelling but certain insect bites can be very painful.

I also feel that, there is some amount of infection in the area, if at all you see any pus collection in that area, I suggest you visit your local PCP and take a course of antibiotics.

Otherwise, this will settle down on its own over 3 to 4 days, to make it feel better, you can take a tablet of cetirizine twice daily for 2 days.

Hope this information will help you. Please do write back if you have any more queries.

Wishing you good health.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar