HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Should I Do About Big Bite Like Rashes That Reoccur?

Posted on Mon, 26 Feb 2024

Question: I had visit my primary care doctor twice within the week and had asked one of the specialist dermatologist at the this website regarding my rash. My primary care doctor at first thought is was flea bites (from workplace) but now unsure since I have been at home and not at the workplace due to recovering from sinusitis and cold. The specialist answered from website thinks the rash is probably not bites but atopic dermatitis. However was not able to download photos. Rash is as follows: groupings around belly button (additional new bites), inner thighs, armpits, belt area, inner buttocks, lower leg (2 new bites), elbow (new) and near collarbone, very itchy at night. Eight months ago thought I had fleas in my work office, on and off, sprayed etc. Now the last 3 weeks increased bites, especially the last week being at home. Worried, will ask for a referral from primary care physician for a specialist to figure out what to do.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Scabies/ insect bite reaction/ viral rash; answer few ques & upload pics

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I have gone through your complaints.
There are few possibilities: either scabies which is a mite infection or insect bite hypersensitivity reaction or viral rash as you have associated flu and sinusitis.
I need to ask you few questions:
What is the duration of rash?
Is anyone in the family or friends having recent or past history of itching?
Any pet in the family and any history of itching in pet?
Does rash came after cold and sinusitis?
Are palms and soles involved with the rash?
What is the extent of rash: mild , moderate or severe?
If possible upload the pictures of the affected areas under the report section of the site or mail them to YYYY@YYYY as “ Attention: Dr Asmeet”.
Kindly revert with the answers and pictures.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Thank you. Hard to tell when rash began, about 7 months ago my work office may have had fleas and had itchy bites. However, within the last month, have spent more time in the office, have more bites. Prior to the sinus issue within the last 2 weeks increased rash, especially rash got worse, the last week at home recovering (10 bites within a week and very itchy). No one at home with a rash and no pets, husband has no rash at all but he caught my cold/flu. Had a coworker several months ago, had fleas in her office - we work with homeless and they have brought in many dogs to the building the last two months. No rash on palms or soles. Have many bites total about 40, say rash is moderate. There does not seem to be fleas at home and sprayed office three times within the last three weeks.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
insect bite HTN reaction, potent topical steroid & antihistaminic

Detailed Answer:
According to your complaints it could be insect bite hypersensitivity ( HTN) reaction.
If I was your treating doctor I would recommend you to apply potent topical steroid like clobetasol propionate cream on the affected areas twice daily and take antihistaminic like tablet Cetrizine 10 mg once or twice daily depending on the intensity of itching.
Potent topical steroids are prescription drugs and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.
Also to be on the safer side I would recommend you to apply permethrin 5 percent lotion on the entire body neck downwards at night, keep it for 6-8 hours and take a bath in the morning.
Repeat the same permethrin lotion after 1 week.

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. Remy Koshy