My poor baby...., originally uploaded by msbellee.
This is what you get when you go outside wearing Crocs in our yard. Kevin got bitten by something (probably a fire ant) last Friday or Saturday. I'm not sure what day it was. But it wasn't a big deal until today. It itched slightly and today it has just exploded into a red, swollen nastiness. You can see the tiny yellow head at the bite site. That's what fire ants do to you. I know from experience. But as I did not see what bit him I can only assume it was a fire ant.
Not only is his toe swollen and red, streaking has begun to creep up his foot.
I put a call into the doctor over an hour ago and they have not called me back yet. You can't talk to anybody anymore at the time you call them. If you do get to, it's unusual. You have to leave a message and then wait for them to call you back. That just irks me. Does it anyone else? Does anyone else have the same problems?
As soon as I find out something I will update. As of now, I gave him some Benadryl, propped his foot up, put his Clifford boo-boo bunny thing on it and wrapped it up to ice it. I also put a topical anti-itch on it that has a numbing ingredient in it per my brother who is a pharmacist. He's usually the first one I call when I have a problem, not my doctor. If the streaking gets worse we are going to the emergency clinic. I'm not taking chances with a spreading infection.
Later....
***UPDATE***
Went to doctor this afternoon and the bite did result in this secondary infection. He was given a prescription for an antibiotic to treat the infection. If it isn't better by tomorrow I'm to take him back. Otherwise, normal follow-up will take place on Thursday. Whew! Glad I took him.Thank you all very much for you concern and advice, as well as support. The streaking was not normal, I realized, so I am glad I took action.
10 comments:
I'm glad you got him in and treated quickly. Isn't it amazing how these little things can escalate, and for no apparent reason? Aren't we lucky to live in this day and age?
oh my... I have a tale about my husbands first encounter with fireants! He wouldn't believe me that they attack like that (he's from PA.) I said "oh yeah they will! don't mess with that nest..." well, he didn't listen and found out the hardway. Goodthing you took him in! infection can spread quickly. I would have soaked his little foot in epson salts for a bit till I heard from the doc. (just an old fashion remedy from my family, not trying to be bossy) Glad he's okay! Have a great 4th!
your little guy is lucky to have you as a mummy - hugs to you both!
poor little guy! What adorable toes he has :)!
I'm relieved that he is OK. Good going on your part!
Thanks you guys. It worried me that he had the streaking going on. I've been bitten by fire ants before. Not fun! It's quite painful and you can't scratch it because it hurts so much but then it itches so much you have to scratch! Catch-22. He's been bitten before too, but it didn't result in this and neither did mine. I was bitten 8 times on my toes, feet and ankles while pruning roses, not knowing I was stand amidst the fire ants until it was too late. I guess this time he got bit by one of those 'dirty' ants who doesn't wash his hands!
Poor bubby! And poor mommy too, for having to worry so. It's the streaking that woulda scared me silly.
I know what you mean -- if I call in to the doctor with a question, I have to wait for a call back either around lunch time or the end of the day. Sometimes it just can't wait that long -- on those days I just go ahead and make an appointment.
My first experience w/ fire ants was in my parents back yard shortly after I moved to TX from MA. I dragged a lawn chair out to get some sun and planted my foot square in a nest. Suddenly my foot was on fire (there's a reason they're called fire ants!) and when I looked down they were all over me, mad as hell. I got about 10-15 bites that day. Just remembering it stings. :-)
I'm completely freaked out.
Great, just what I needed. Another reason to avoid nature.
I hope your little guy gets better RIGHT NOW!
What a tough kid!
Happy 4th ~ Ms Belle!!!
Poor guy. :( I'm glad he's on the road to recovery.
I grew up in Florida as a teenager, and I hated those fire ants. I have to admit, I've never seen a fire ant bite turn nasty like that. Poor baby. Hopefully his recovery is speedy.
Hello MsBelle, I hope your kid is going better, I am a mother too and I know how one can worry about these accidents. Sorry for my english, it is not very fluently. Kind regards.
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