After visiting the emergency room due to a bug bite, the former Little House on the Prairie star advised her fans to “don’t wait to get treated” and take bug bites seriously.
Melissa Gilbert is disclosing how a bug bite led to her being admitted to the hospital.
The 59-year-old former Little House on the Prairie star uploaded two images from her hospital visit on Instagram on Friday, warning her followers to monitor their health and not disregard any bites that may initially seem like nothing.
She began her caption, “A Public Service Announcement: Well that was a fun night in the ER,” “My arm was bitten by a flying bug (not a bee or wasp) two days ago. My arm was extremely swollen, red, and hot by last night.”
“I called my doctor, @skincarelab, and he advised us to head straight to the ER. When @timbusfield said, “Absolutely not,” I was going to wait. We’re leaving! I was given the diagnosis of cellulitis and an abscess following numerous tests.”
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, an abscess is a “pocket of pus” that can develop “almost anywhere” in the body.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, cellulitis, commonly known as a staph infection, is a potentially fatal skin infection brought on when bacteria enters a lesion and penetrates deeply into the skin.
“I received an IV of acetaminophen, Benadryl, and clindamycin. It started getting better right away. I was awake all night long. Today, I’m starting oral antibiotics, Benadryl, and ibuprofen,” Gilbert continued.
“Lesson learned: treat insect bites seriously! If it swells up severely (my entire upper arm was swelled! ), don’t put off getting treated because you believe it to be a little bite. How much worse can things get? Visit the ER, urgent care, or your doctor.” She said, “I’m serious,” before making a reference to her well-known Little House on the Prairie character Laura Ingalls Wilder. “When Laura Ingalls Wilder was alive, this would have resulted in death or amputation. Treatment is accessible.”
The actress stated, “So now I’m going to take my medications and rest like the nice bunny I am. Stupid bug bite. Special thanks to the Port Jervis, New York, Bonsecours Hospital. returning to bed at this time.”
Gilbert received a number of congratulations from her fans and other celebrities in response to her post.
“MAMA, REST & HEAL! In spite of the anguish, I appreciate you taking the time to express this,” wrote actress Donna Murphy. “Congratulations to your doctor @timbusfield for demanding you visit the ER that night!”
Michael Beach, an actor, continued, “Some random bug is causing all this.”
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