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What Causes Spider Bites All Over Leg Along With Swelling?
Question: My mum was bitten (we think) by a spider just over three weeks a go. The span of the two dots indicates a large spider and a third dot with a flap of skin. Initially she was seen by a walk in clinic (nurse) who dressed it. A week later her doctor saw it and prescribed penicillin. That finished around 4 days a go. She has been to a walk in clinic today again (in Devon) and the nurse has taken a swab (the first) but no antibiotics. Mum is 88, caring for my 91 yr old father. A carer that goes in to see them describes the wound as black in the middle and oozing constantly. The oozing is going through dressings. Result of swab won't be back till end of this week. Mum resistant to me travelling from london to take her to A and E. She's old and frail but i believe from description that she should be taking something. Her GP is difficult to get hold of let alone see and I would appreciate views on a suitable antibiotic,/combination of antibiotics.
she also says the leg is swollen and that it is tingling.
she also says the leg is swollen and that it is tingling.
Brief Answer:
There could be possibility of infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,
I have read your query in detail and will be answered by me.
If it is spider bites over her leg then they are usually not dangerous to life of a person but needs proper care and treatment.
It might be infective or inflammatory boil or abscess as you said the wound was black in the middle and oozing constantly even through applied dressing.
Following measures are advised in case of this kind of spider bites,
1. Clean the bite with mild soap and water.
2. Apply cold packs to the bite, to reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Here ,the bite is on leg then, keep it elevated.
4. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like tab.diclofenac with serratiopeptidase to reduce swelling,pain and inflammation and anti-allergic drugs like cetrizine 10 mg or allegra-120mg (fexofenadine).
5. Apply antiseptic cream with antihistamines like chlorpheniramine maleate.
6. Injection TT should also be given if not taken yet.
7. Take antibiotics orally preferably cephalosporins like tab.cefadroxyl or tab.cefixime.
As antibiotics are prescription drugs,you should consult your local doctor or GP who will know the medicines and can inspect the wound and write all the above medications.
Hope your query is answered and will help you.
Fell free to ask if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.sandipkabra
There could be possibility of infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,
I have read your query in detail and will be answered by me.
If it is spider bites over her leg then they are usually not dangerous to life of a person but needs proper care and treatment.
It might be infective or inflammatory boil or abscess as you said the wound was black in the middle and oozing constantly even through applied dressing.
Following measures are advised in case of this kind of spider bites,
1. Clean the bite with mild soap and water.
2. Apply cold packs to the bite, to reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Here ,the bite is on leg then, keep it elevated.
4. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like tab.diclofenac with serratiopeptidase to reduce swelling,pain and inflammation and anti-allergic drugs like cetrizine 10 mg or allegra-120mg (fexofenadine).
5. Apply antiseptic cream with antihistamines like chlorpheniramine maleate.
6. Injection TT should also be given if not taken yet.
7. Take antibiotics orally preferably cephalosporins like tab.cefadroxyl or tab.cefixime.
As antibiotics are prescription drugs,you should consult your local doctor or GP who will know the medicines and can inspect the wound and write all the above medications.
Hope your query is answered and will help you.
Fell free to ask if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.sandipkabra
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Brief Answer:
Tetanus vaccine is composed of deactivated tetanus toxin.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the follow-up.
Tetanus vaccine is a vaccine which is composed of deactivated tetanus toxins.
This vaccine is immunogenic but not pathogenic and is used to prevent an individual from contracting tetanus,potentially deadly disease because the bacteria 'clostridium tetani' attacks the nervous system blocking nerve signals from the spinal cord to and from the muscles.
Tetanus popularly known as 'locked jaw'.
Regards,
Tetanus vaccine is composed of deactivated tetanus toxin.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the follow-up.
Tetanus vaccine is a vaccine which is composed of deactivated tetanus toxins.
This vaccine is immunogenic but not pathogenic and is used to prevent an individual from contracting tetanus,potentially deadly disease because the bacteria 'clostridium tetani' attacks the nervous system blocking nerve signals from the spinal cord to and from the muscles.
Tetanus popularly known as 'locked jaw'.
Regards,
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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