What Causes Itchy Bite Marks On Lower Legs?

Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2015

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

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 Answered on

Fri, 4 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Insect/Spider bite(s). I live in Upstate NY and it is very humid and hot in the summer months as I've no AC. Some sort of insect, I believe, is targeting and feeding on me at night. The affected bite areas itch very much and have two characteristic puncture marks on several sites on my lower legs...I've had bed bugs before and there is insufficient evidence to indicate their presence...what else could be causing this?
Thank-you, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
More likely it is a insect bite.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,

These could also be due to a mite infection known as scabies or some allergic reaction but it is most likely due to some insect/spider or mosquito or bug bite.

However, in dermatology diagnosis can only be made when the skin has been properly examined.

I would advise you to visit a dermatologist for the same if it remains persistent or occurs frequently.

If it is scabies (very less chances), it can be treated with single application of 5 percent permethrin cream or if it is just insect bite then over the counter antihistamines (cetrizine) with pain killers will help.

Hope that answers your query.

Take care.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj