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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Take Antihistamine Pill For Itchiness In Body Due To Bug Bite?

i was bitten about 50 times al over my body by a bunch of small black flying bugs yesterday and today all of these bites aare swollen and itch like crazy. I bathed in tub in water and baking soda for l hr. and that helped for awhile and put hydrocortisone 2% on them but they are still itching so badl that I cannot sleep. Should I take an antihistamine pill or go to hospital thinking this could be very dangerous to have so many bug bites as some of the bites are over an inch in diameter and swollen and it is almost making me crazy. it is ossible that I am in real trouble and could die
posted on Mon, 13 Oct 2014
Twitter Thu, 20 Nov 2014 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 21 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hi,

The rash you suffer may be probably lichen urticatus ..also called papular urticaria. It is a hypersensitive reaction to insects bite, in your case bed bug. There may be mild to severe itching with erythematous papulovesicular lesions. It is not serious condition, so..do not worry. You consult dermatologist for firm diagnosis.

Antihistaminics like levocetirizine may be taken till itchiness is relieved. Steroids may be taken in tappering doses. Mild steroid with antibiotic cream may be applied on the lesions. Avoid soap bath. And take all precautions to avoid insects bite. You may be alright. I hope you got my answer.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD
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Is It Safe To Take Antihistamine Pill For Itchiness In Body Due To Bug Bite?

Hi, The rash you suffer may be probably lichen urticatus ..also called papular urticaria. It is a hypersensitive reaction to insects bite, in your case bed bug. There may be mild to severe itching with erythematous papulovesicular lesions. It is not serious condition, so..do not worry. You consult dermatologist for firm diagnosis. Antihistaminics like levocetirizine may be taken till itchiness is relieved. Steroids may be taken in tappering doses. Mild steroid with antibiotic cream may be applied on the lesions. Avoid soap bath. And take all precautions to avoid insects bite. You may be alright. I hope you got my answer. Thanks. Dr. Ilyas Patel MD