Quote Originally Posted by emily_in_nc View Post
We aren't sure but assume he got the infection from gardening, some sort of bacteria in the soil. Did not know that insect bites could cause this condition -- is the bacteria from the insect itself, or from scratching the bite (bacteria from your hands?)

GOOD LUCK!
Glad your FIL was OK in the end...it's really scary stuff if not caught early or in people with compromised immune systems.

I never scratched the bite to the point of breaking skin...it wasn't even terribly itchy, since I started taking Benadryl and applying cortisone cream as soon as I got home. What I think got the bacteria in there was wiping out the stinger mid-ride, then rinsing the spot with water from my bottle...and riding another 12 miles home. My guess is the bacteria was already on my sweaty leg or kicked-off the road post-sting. Any spot of broken skin (paper cut, crack from dry skin, insect bite) can allow nasty stuff in.

Today my leg is looking maybe slightly better and the spreading has not increased. I still have some swelling, but no worse than yesterday. I also feel good. Never did have fever or severe pain.