Bug Bite Concerns: Redness, Swelling, and Lymph Node Swelling

Question
I was bitten by some sort of bug on Sunday.  My husband swatted it off of my head, but he said it looked like it had been burrowing in.  It bit me on the side of my forehead.  On Tuesday I noticed that the site of the bite was very red and a bit swollen.  I also have painfull knots above my ear and in front of my ear, and my lymph nodes seem swollen.  I am not sure how concerned I should be about these symptoms.  I am extra careful about my health because I am breast feeding.  Please let me know if I should be concerned.  Thank you.  Kristen

Answer
From your description, it appears to have been a flying insect.  The reason I ask, is to make sure it wasn't a brown recluse spider, which carries some bad consequences.  But, assuming it was a flying insect, sounds like a wasp or one of the "fly" variations that bites.  The lumps/nodes are the body's immune response, and it looks like your body has reacted aggressively against this bite.  That is good, even though it may make the inflammation last a little bit longer.  Not to worry, and do not worry about the breast feeding issue.  The only concern I would have is whether you  could develop a secondary bacterial infection by scratching it.  But, it is unusual to develop a skin infection on the face/temple/forehead, since the blood supply there is so good.  Give it a few days and it should resolve.

Hope this helps...