4. Swelling
Swelling can occur in areas of the body where the infection is present. The lymph nodes can become inflamed, and as the body reacts to the infection, it swells to fight off the infection. If there are lesions or blisters present, and they are scratched, the skin is likely to become red and swollen from secondary infections as well. If the swelling becomes severe, medical treatment may be necessary.
Over the counter medications that treat inflammation may help as can warm baths. Resting and elevating the swollen area may also help the swelling go down. The swelling may go away and come back, and it can also range from mild to severe. It can last as long as the infection is present in the skin and should go away as medication starts to work. Some people have no swelling at all or swelling that is so mild that they don’t even notice it.