Large Skin Reaction From a Bite or Sting

A large skin reaction involves swelling and redness that spreads away from the site of the bite or sting. It may involve an entire limb or a broad area of the body. A large skin reaction is defined as swelling across two major joints, such as from the elbow to the shoulder.

Signs of a large skin reaction include the following:

• The reaction is usually at its worst after 48 hours.
• The reaction may last as long as 7 days.
• Fatigue and nausea may be present.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised	October 14, 2011