So my ankle still looks like a tree trunk

[flex]

The two skeeter bites from Saturday made my ankle swell up big time. I keep soaking it in hot water which keeps it from itching and throbbing. But the swelling is not very attractive. I have an arbitration on Wednesday, and I was planning on wearing a skirt for the event (so I look perfeshunal), but that would be no bueno with my giant cankle, so trousers it is.

[rhiannon]

( Have you tried soaking it in Epson salt or would it not work in this case?

[flex]

Haven't tried Epson salts. Think that would help? The hot water keeps the infection loose and moving. I may try the salt next time it happens.

[housegeek]

I'm pretty sure there is something wrong with you every night.

But, on the skeeter note, I'm like, super allergic to the ones here on the east coast or something, I swell up like a balloon it's rediculous. So I feel your pain!

[flex]

lolz I don't think there's something wrong with me EVERY night.

But yeah, I don't know what it is about the skeeters up here. I don't recall having this reaction from Oregon skeeters when I was a kid.

[rhiannon]

Oops, I didn't mean to use that icon.

Yes, it should help. Soak your foot the regular way one does with Epsom salt. Afterwards, mix Epsom salt and hot water to a paste consistency. Dab the paste mixture on your bites and cover them with a hot washcloth for 10-15 minutes. Repeat every hour or so if you can. It should help with the swelling.

To address the infection if you don't have salts available, try soaking a cotton ball with Witch Hazel and apply the cotton ball to the bites for several minutes after your hot water soak. I don't know if will help with the swelling in time, but it will definitely help the infection go away more quickly.

[rhiannon]

Oh, and if you do not not have a medical condition which causes heat sensitivity, use the hottest water you can stand on the washcloth.

[flex]

Thank you for the advice, Squish. ((hugs))

[rhiannon]

You're welcome.

[hi725]

I am horribly allergic to mosquito bites, and the only hung that helps them shrink fast is Benedryl. Unfortunately, it also knocks me on my ass!