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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.
Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Sean P. Bush, MD, FACEP
- Emergency Medicine and Envenomation Specialist
Last Updated February 1, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 01, 2008
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