swollen hand and arm due to bug bite

[Ellie F]

Hi Sarah
I too have slight lymphoedema in my arm. My therapist here in England recommends that following an insect bite a prophylactic course of antibiotics should be taken to prevent infection and cellulitis especially as insects carry all sorts of bugs! Indeed when I travel abroad I take a course with me. Steroids are great for the inflammation but not for the infection.
Elevation of the arm plus compression are key things but maybe a good idea to try to get a therapist experienced in lymphatic drainage.
Ellie