Red streak - fading

[lilrougela]

A small bite-like bump appeared on my arm yesterday morning - was there when I woke up.  No cuts, scrapes, or visible bite marks, just a small white pimple-looking head and some redness surrounding the area.  It is located in the inside of my right arm, a few inches above my wrist.  By last night, I had a red streak a couple of inches long that seemed to be following the same path as a vein I can see under my skin.  When I woke up this morning, the streak was lighter but had reached the inside of my elbow.  Now it's almost faded completely - unless I pointed it out you wouldn't know it was there.  The redness around the original bump is still there, and is possibly slightly larger.  The bump itself may be a little larger too, but I thought it was a pimple at first and tried to squeeze it so that may be from that.  In the meantime, I've done some research online and everything I'm seeing about a red streak is all fire and brimstone and get thee to a doctor immediately.  My question is this, though - the red streak has faded significantly and doesn't appear to be getting any longer.  Is this a sign that my body is effectively fighting off whatever infection was there?  Do I have a day or so to closely monitor and "wait and see what happens?"  Or should I make an appt asap?  Go to urgent care if I can’t get in to a dr??  ER if none of the above???

[Icabet]

I wouldn't think it was life threatning and would wait for a few days. If it doesn't go away, then I would make an appt to see the Dr.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
You probably have a boil or hair follicle infection or an abscess. The red streak could be inflammation of lymphatic channel or vein. Since it has subsided the body has fought off the infection. Though an urgent ER visit is not required, if you do not have fever, it would be wise to show this to a doctor once. Please do not squeeze it on your own. You can apply some warm compress.Take care!