Suggest Treatment For Itchy Raised Bumps On The Skin

Posted on Fri, 8 May 2015

Question: My friend just returned from Mexico and Argentina. He has raised bumps on his skin that he said were mosquito bites, one is filled with fluid. He is staying with us and now my niece has 3 of the same rather large raised bumps that itch. (One in groin area, one on leg and one behind her ear.) They are approx. the size of a fingernail and red. What could they be? Could he have brought an insect back and its biting her?

My niece said she noticed them after she got out of the pool. It is a community pool that is heated. She went into the jacuzzi too. (Her brother did both as well.)

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Insect dermatitis with Secondary bacterial infection most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

After reading history and seeing photo, I deeply feel that most probably your neice may be having insect dermatitis with bacterial infection. There might be contact or bite with insects followed by development of erythematous papules or nodules,which may be itchy. The lesions might have complicated with bacterial infection....staphylococci. Your friend would have similar problem.

I would like to suggest as follow...

- antihistaminics like levocetirizine once a day
- short course of antibiotics
- antibiotic cream to apply twice a day
- if needed, tappering course of steroids for few days

Please consult dermatologist personally for firm diagnosis and perfect treatment immediately.

If any query..you are welcome.

Thanks..

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (5 hours later)

Why is she the only ine getting bit? This hasent happened before. Is it a coincidence that my friend has them too from another country? My concern was that it what he had was contagious.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Insect dermatitis with secondary bacterial infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I can understand your concern to know whether it is contagious or not. The lesions are due to hypersensitivity to insects toxin, so you can understand it is not contagious,but it can occur in whom,insects bite and the person may be sensitive to insect toxin... And then due to lower immunity or poor hygiene, the lesions become infected with bacteria.

I hope you got my answer. Please follow my advice as suggested in previous post.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta