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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.
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

Last Revised: October 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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