I think I developed a rash on my arm after an IM injection

[Jim999555]

I just had an IM injection yesterday afternoon and tonight my arm was in some pain and when I looked at the site it was red. It wasnt red on the injection site itself, but about a centimeter under it. I was just worried I didnt encounter blood poison or an allergic reaction.

Thanks in advance.

[Jim999555]

Thank you. It took me a few days to reply, but in that time the redness has gone down significantly. I have no pain anymore. It still is slightly warm to touch a little, but it isnt as bad as when I first made my original post.

I have been taking OTC advil.

I didnt mention I gave the injection to myself. I was pretty rough and for some odd reason I wiped the needle with an alcohol swab. And No I am not a drug addict just so you know or if you had suspicions. My doctor explained to me that I would need to wipe myself down as well as the hub of the vial. For some reason I thought wiping down the needle was needed. I think that could of made it irritated to go along with how rough I was.

I mean my site is still bruised, but healing nicely.

Thanks again for your response.

[caregiver222]

Absolutely on the money, Drnee. The important thing is not to worry because these conditions are usually "self-limiting" and go away without treatment. The OTC anti-inflammatories include cortisone cream. The source of the inflammation is often impossible to run down. Sometimes you get inflammation after the first injection, and then it never happens again. Ocasionally the inflammation is due to the presvatives in the medications, and the reaction is more common in multiple-dose vials.  If the redness persists after a day you should probably check with your doctor. Orindary calomine lotion sometimes helps, as does witch hazel application, and a paste made of monosodium glutamate (sold as accent) rubbed on the skin. If very localized swelling and redness develops this suggests an abcess and you need your physician's advice.  An ice-pack, as suggested by Drnee, is a great idea.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
At times the injection site or the area around it turns red due to inflammation. Apply ice pack and take OTC anti-inflammtories. If symptoms persist consult your doctor because at times the injection sites or the area around it can form an abscess.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!