Should I Be Concerned About Swelling At The Back Of My Hand After Being Stung By An Insect?

Posted on Wed, 25 Jul 2018

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

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 Answered on

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I was stung on my hand two days ago; there is swelling on the back of the hand, and up the wrist. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Part of the body's normal inflammatory response

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Swelling is part of the natural response to any kind of trauma and an insect sting or animal bite, is considered trauma.

It is part of the body's inflammatory response.

In most cases, the swelling would only persist for a few days, usually 3 to 4, rarely up to a week.
If it persists longer or is worsening then infection would be suspected and you may need antibiotics.

You can consider the use of anti inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce the inflammation.
Antihistamines may be useful if there is any itching eg Zyrtec, Benadryl etc.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.

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