HELP! How do I reduce oedema from insect bite please...

[brockenspectre]

Hi all

Having been job searching for weeks I have three interviews lined up over the next few days. Returning from walking my dog in the park yesterday I noticed a red patch over my right thumb joint with a small white circle in the centre.. as the day went on the patch got bigger, itchier and my thumb began to swell. I applied raw onion to the spot to try and pull out the poison (old fashioned remedy but was best I could do with what I had at home).

Waking today the swelling had spread and now the entire back of my hand is one big "cushion" of red and irritated skin, I can barely bend my thumb. I went to the pharmacy and was sold some Eurax cream which is to be used sparingly twice a day to relieve itching etc. The swelling is now moving to the wrist and I have had to remove a wristband I normally wear.

My question is, as my first interview is tomorrow afternoon, what can I do to help reduce this swelling? I am keeping my hand "raised" as much as possible but as I am right-handed this is easier said than done!

I would see my Dr but this is not exactly life-threatening and I therefore doubt I would get an appointment before next week...




P.S. my worry is all about performing at the interview - after all, if I can't even shake hands (it would hurt too much and hand looks UGLY!)... so would YOU hire me if your first impression is of someone making excuses?!!