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Anesthesiology/Localized Anesthesia Reaction

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Expert: - 3/17/2010


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Hi,
I might be a little premature in worrying about this, but I tried to get information about what to expect over the internet, and my search hasn't turned up much of anything helpful.
Earlier today I went in to see my dermatologist, and had a skin tag removed.  They injected an anesthesia to numb the area and snipped it right off, didn't even give me a band-aid.  However a little while later I noticed the area turning red and looking a bit odd.  I took a picture of it now, so it would be easier to explain.

The area is very red and multi-colored.  This picture was taken about 7 hours after I was given the injection.  You can just barely see another slightly darker colored ring around the red spot, and the entire area inside this ring is still numb.  Also, the area inside the ring is slightly raised from the rest of my skin, and the red area is slightly raised above that.  (The really dark spot is, rather obviously, where the skin tag was removed.)

I guess I'm just worried as to whether or not this is some type of allergic reaction, or worse, infection?  I highly doubt the latter, but I couldn't find much information about normal reactions to localized anesthesia, and that made me wonder if a reaction like this is in fact not normal.

On top of that, I was also wondering how I should treat it? Like if it's anything to contact my doctor or dermatologist about, or if it'll just go away on it's own like a bad bruise.  And also, how long should it be before the numbness goes away?  I've never been given an anesthesia before, but I know from peers getting oral procedures that usually the numbness goes away in a few hours for that, not usually taking seven hours, which also has me concerned.

I realize I'm being a bit of a worry-wart, so I apologize if this seems like a waste of your time, but any information would be more than appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
~Madeline

Answer
It is probably a normal reaction and it should go away. It could be caused be the local being given too superficially, or some bleeding under the skin from the removal of the skin tag. It looks more like a hematoma (blood clot) rather than an allergic rash which would be itchy. I don't think it's an infection and the numbness should go away over time (it depends on what they injected). If it doesn't go away (or gets worse), return to your dermatologist to look at, but this is not a typical allergic reaction.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston
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Ronald Levy, M.D.

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Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. I am a board certified anesthesiologist who can answer all questions related to any type of Anesthesia with the exception of Pain Management.

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