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What Causes Painful Discolored Area On Ankle And Swelling?

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Posted on Sun, 30 Nov 2014
Twitter Sun, 30 Nov 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 24 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : I am visiting vietnam currently and have developed a painful discolored area on my right ankle (inner side) from what seems to be an insect bite (not sure when i was actually bit) the discoloration showed up 24-30hrs ago. And in the last 6 hrs may have had fluid/puss building up as there is now a small lighter colored patch developing under the skin in the middle of the red discolored area. I visited a XXXXXXX clinic 24hrs ago and was prescribed benadryl (neo-allerfar) 25mg 3x per day. I have only taken 1 dose of the medication so far and have been lathargic the whole day, decided to stop taking the benadryl to see if the lethargy was a side effect of the medication or a symptom but 18hrs since taking the only dose i am still groggy and lethargic. As the insect is unidentified i am not sure if i need to be worried about something very serious (lyme disease, any viruses, poisoning etc) the doctor i visited here did not speak great english and communication was a problem. Attached are pictures. I have not run a high temperature, no nausea yet. Ankle is swollen and painful to touch.
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Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Insect bite /can suspect a tick bite also.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking Health care magic forum.

I have gone through your query.Your problem is likely insect bite.If there is no associated allergic symptoms like systemic rash respiratory discomfort or throat tightening or edema then nothing to worry on that side.In case of such discomfort you may need corticosteroid injections and antihistamines for some more days.Benedryl 3 times daily will gives you a drowsy feeling.So no need to worry if that is there.
But tick bite can't be ruled out as you have not seen the insect.Usually it gives a bulls eye appearance rash on site.But it can be like the rash you got also.So in such case a Doxycycline antibiotic prophylactic should be taken against Lyme disease.Early doxycycline therapy is very effective in Lyme disease.So you can approach your physician for this.The incubation period of Lyme disease is ranging from 1 week to even months in some people.
Hope this may help you.Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Dr. Nishad BN

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Practicing since :2009

Answered : 5480 Questions

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What Causes Painful Discolored Area On Ankle And Swelling?

Brief Answer: Insect bite /can suspect a tick bite also. Detailed Answer: Hi Thank you for asking Health care magic forum. I have gone through your query.Your problem is likely insect bite.If there is no associated allergic symptoms like systemic rash respiratory discomfort or throat tightening or edema then nothing to worry on that side.In case of such discomfort you may need corticosteroid injections and antihistamines for some more days.Benedryl 3 times daily will gives you a drowsy feeling.So no need to worry if that is there. But tick bite can't be ruled out as you have not seen the insect.Usually it gives a bulls eye appearance rash on site.But it can be like the rash you got also.So in such case a Doxycycline antibiotic prophylactic should be taken against Lyme disease.Early doxycycline therapy is very effective in Lyme disease.So you can approach your physician for this.The incubation period of Lyme disease is ranging from 1 week to even months in some people. Hope this may help you.Let me know if anything not clear. Thanks.