What causes swollen and red forearm in a child?
Patient: My 8 month-old daughter has a swollen and red right forearm. We noticed it about 1 and a half weeks ago but thought she may have strained a muscle doing row-row the boat with an over-enthusiastic 3 year-old. It seemed to improve but today it looks worse again. Apart from that, she is fine in herself, the arm doesn t seem painful to touch and she is putting weight on it when she crawls, etc. What could this be? Thank you. Doctor: Hi,  If a similar patient comes to me, I would first check whether she is in pain and the area is tender. Whether the child is playful and not irritated. As you have mentioned it is completely normal, I feel there is nothing to be tensed about. She might have had an insect bite or hit her hand somewhere. Mostly it may fade away by itself. If within a week it doesn't resolve or if it is increasing, kindly consult your doctor.  Hope I have cleared your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Hope your daughter recovers fast.  Regards, Dr. Jilu Joseph, General & Family Physician