Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Swelling of lymph nodes a few days after insect bite

August 15, 2019 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day.

The following situation: Exactly one week ago today, I was bitten on my left forearm near my wrist by an insect. Since it flew away quickly after I felt the pain, I couldn't see what kind of insect it was. Based on the intensity of the bite and the type of swelling that followed, I suspect it was a horsefly.

The visible skin reaction (similar to a mosquito bite, but much larger) quickly subsided, but I had itching for nearly three days, despite using a local antiallergic multiple times.

For the past 2-3 days, about 4-5 days after the bite, two lymph nodes have enlarged. One under my left armpit, and another on the left jawline near my earlobe. The one under my armpit is painful, especially with light pressure. There isn't much left to see from the bite itself.

I am wondering if I should see a doctor. I read about possible lymphangitis after insect bites. However, I have not seen the typical "red streak" associated with it, nor have I experienced general symptoms like fever. I am more concerned about Lyme disease, as I know it can also be transmitted by horseflies.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good morning,

There is a theory that ticks can transmit Lyme disease, but this is by no means confirmed and is also doubted by many experts. In any case, the first signs of it only appear several weeks after the infection, and they do not include swelling of the lymph nodes. This is a sign of a bacterial infection, which can also originate from, for example, a tooth. Since it is possible that the causative agent has already been defeated, you can wait a few days if there are no further symptoms. If the nodes do not regress or if more nodes swell, I would recommend seeing a doctor early next week. If you experience fever or a feeling of illness, see a doctor immediately.

Wishing you all the best!

Warm regards, Dr. Gehring