Swollen hand

[snowandrocks]

Bit of a strange one.

A couple of days ago my left hand started to feel itchy/uncomfortable and within half an hour had swollen up. Mostly on the back of my hand and along the tops of my fingers. It's not crazy but is swollen enough that the normally visible veins and tendons are hidden.

Earlier in the day I had been clearing some undergrowth so I could easily have been stung or bitten by something but there's no visible wound or bite and I've no memory of being bitten/stung.

I thought I'd see if it calmed down on it's own but no change yet. Still no pain just a bit tight and slightly itchy.

Leave it for another few days or go and get it seen to?

[Mr Pointy]

Quite a few plants have irritating sap, especially if exposed to sunlight. You may have had contact with one.

[Riley Blue]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Is the sensible answer.

[Bill]

Have you tried an antihistamine?

[Saleen836]

Weeds didn't look like this by any chance?

[drmike37]

Any redness? Other signs of infection?

If you feel OK, and it's not too bad I would keep it elevated higher than your heart and ice it. No improvement get to A&E.

Sounds like it could be an infection.

Pics would help....

[snowandrocks]

No redness, feel fine and no sign of the swelling spreading.

A few nettles in the undergrowth but no Giant Hogweed that I noticed!

Have been taking over the counter anti histamines since it started. Think I'll give it until tomorrow.

Photos below.

Edited by snowandrocks on Wednesday 24th June 21:17

[snowandrocks]

[Turn7]

That looks primarily, to be betwween thumb and forefinger - sure you didnt get bitten by anything ?

Edited by Turn7 on Wednesday 24th June 21:57

[gazza285]

Saleen836 said:

Weeds didn't look like this by any chance?

Horrible things.

[drmike37]

Doesn't look to be imminently self-amputating. I think my advice stands.

disclaimer - I won't put my name to anything unless I've seen it first hand! (unintended pun).

[snowandrocks]

Thanks and disclaimer noted!

Will give it another 24 hours or so and see what happens I think.

I suspect I have just been stung or bitten by something but it is strange that there's no marks at all and that the swelling has lasted so long.

[Smoggy XJR]

I presume you haven't as you didn't mention it, but if you've been bitten by a cat get to A&E NOW.

Ask me how I know.

[snowandrocks]

24 hours later - the swelling is pretty much gone with only a small red lump left. I reckon I must have been stung by a wasp or something and not noticed.

Thanks for all the advice though!

[drmike37]

These things can go either way. Glad yours has settled.

My record is 12 operations to get a hand infection under control! Blackthorn if you’re interested. Fish tanks is the other nasty.

[otolith]

drmike37 said:

Fish tanks is the other nasty.

Fish TB?

[drmike37]

otolith said:

Fish TB?

Yep.

[Corvid-2020]

snowandrocks said:

Not being funny but that over developed muscle twixt thumb and forefinger on our apprentices use to be known as "wkers colic". Not being entertaining yourself too much and strained a muscle, swollen a gland?

[otolith]

drmike37 said:

otolith said:

Fish TB?

Yep.

Nasty!