injection site

i got my first shot june 24 and today i noticed it's reddish and itchy.  is that normal?

[medicmommy]

Hi Bella,
Yep. At first I thought my red patches were from the alcohol wipes, but after the third shot I realized it was from the shot's irritation. One time I managed to make a "smiley face" on my tummy from the shot pattern! (Okay, a bit demented -but I was grasping for humor anywhere I could get it!) The spots do fade and the itching subsides (usually). Are you using any benedryl or cortisone cream? -It does help, but use it sparingly. After 4-6 weeks, you will notice a pattern of felling like poo for a few days, and feeling semi-human again just before the next shot -all normal too. By the 12th week, everything should level off and the anemia effect should slow and stabilize. -If it continues to get worse, get checked for thyroid problems. The interferon occassionally ticks off the thyroid and inflames it -creating rapid health beats, chest pain (sometimes) and accelerating anemia.
-This doesn't happen to most people, but you should be aware of the possibility.
Did I already suggest the Aveeno after bath body oil? -It works nicely for keeping itchy alligator skin under control! ~MM