'Little House on the Prairie' Star Lands in the ER for Horrifying Reason

Melissa Gilbert is on her way to recovery after undergoing a terrifying incident that resulted in a trip to the emergency room.

The Little House on the Prairie star recounted the experience on social media this week, revealing that she had a severe reaction to an insect bite and wound up needing to go to the hospital.

In an Instagram post showing a photo of her extremely red and swollen arm, Gilbert, 59, wrote, "A Public Service Announcement: Well that was a fun night in the ER (she said with dripping sarcasm)."

She went on to chronicle the harrowing sequence of events, writing, "Two days ago a a flying insect (not bee or wasp) [bit] my arm. By last night my arm was incredibly swollen, red and hot."

After calling her dermatologist, Gilbert was instructed to go to the ER, and even though she wanted to wait, her husband, Tim Busfield, insisted, saying "absolutely not. We are going!" as she recalled.

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"After many tests I was diagnosed with an abscess and cellulitis," she revealed. "Got an IV of clindamycin, Benedryl and acetaminophen. It immediately started to get better. Still kept me up all night. Starting antibiotics, Benedryl and ibuprofen orally today."

She then issued a warning to her followers, noting the lesson she learned from the scary incident: "Take bug bites seriously! If it swells up like crazy (my whole upper arm was swollen!) , don’t wait to get treated, thinking 'it’s just a little bite. How bad can it get?' go to your dr or urgent care or the ER. I’m serious!"

"Back in the days of #lauraingallswilder , this would’ve meant death or amputation," she added, referring to the famous Little House on the Prairie author.

Cellulitis is a common yet potentially serious bacterial skin infection that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

"There’s treatment available. So now I’m going to take my meds and rest like the good bunny I am. Stupid bug bite.🪳Special shoutout to @bonsecours hospital in Port Jervis, NY. Going back to bed now 😴💤"

Here's hoping Gilbert continues to have a speedy recovery!