What Causes Burning,itching,inflammation And Raised Dots On Elbow?

Posted on Thu, 21 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been on safari in the Maasai XXXXXXX Kenya twice. Both times I've suffered from burning, itching, nettling elbows for months afterward. The first time it was just my left elbow and lasted about 6 months. This past time, it started in my left elbow and subsided after several months, to return in both elbows 3 months later. It will be a year next month and the itching is worse than ever. Sometimes I want to rip my skin off. Is there any parasite or bug you know that would cause this? There is no redness at site, but it appears to be ever so slightly swollen, with tiny raised dots right at elbow.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
May need antiallergy meds

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal

First and foremost, I should tell you that if you have allergy, or asthma, the chances of getting an allergy from irregular allergens increases.

Besides, the chances are that the allergen that is causing you trouble is airbone. As you have mentioned, the itching is more vast. So there is a definite possibility of it being an air borne allergen.

A bug cannot be entirely ruled out. Your skin needs to be extensively examined for bite marks. And even then, the swelling (if any) may hide the bite mark.

I would really suggest taking a safari elsewhere.
Also a course of anti allergens and possibly need of steroids with antibiotic cover may be needed.

Best of luck
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar