I was bit, I believe, by an insect, possibly a black widow on my ankle. It has now been almost 5 days and my foot continues to swell dramatically accompanied with mild-severe pain. I went to the ER 3 days ago, at which point swelling was mild and was prescribed Cephalexin. Is it normal for swelling to continue this long after initial bite?
Cellulitis, which involves inflammation of the deep layers of the skin, plus or minus the subcutaneous fat (the layer of fat beneath the layers of the skin), is characterized by indolent (slowly progressive) evolution of symptoms, which are: redness (erythema), hotness, pain, and swelling (edema). The affected area can be easily demarcated (distinguished) from the surrounding healthy area of the affected part of the body; we usually like to mark it with a pen to follow up on the progression of the extent of redness and swelling. Cephalexin is a good choice of treatment of cellulitis; you may additionally try to raise your leg as much as you can as this helps in relieving the swelling and inflammation, and keep it well moisturized. It should take a couple of days (about 48 hours) for the swelling and hotness to decrease and become less prominent. If you are still worried that your symptoms are not regressing or getting worse, please reconsult your physician.
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