Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Could Be The Cause Of Severe Itching And Bumps Looking Like Mosquito Bites On Arms, Legs, Back?

Lately, I have been itching and the bumps look like mosquito bites. They come up all on my arm, my legs, and my back. I can t for the life of me, figure out if it was something I ate or my medication. It s getting to the point where it wakes me up over in the wee hours of the morning!
Sat, 8 Feb 2014
Report Abuse
Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
From your history and description, I would consider the diagnosis of scabies, papular urticaria and bed bug bites.
Scabies occurs due to infestation by a mite. You might have contacted it from your close contacts. You need to be treated using 5% permethrin cream which is given as a single overnight application. You could also take anti-itching tablets like benadryl for 10-15 days.
Papular urticaria is a reaction to mosquito bites / other insect bites. It presents as small, red bumps usually on exposed areas of the body. It responds to hydrocortisone cream applied twice a day.
I would also suggest you to rule out bed bug infestation as this also could present with similar rashes.
Hope this helps you.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Could Be The Cause Of Severe Itching And Bumps Looking Like Mosquito Bites On Arms, Legs, Back?

Hello, Welcome to healthcare magic. From your history and description, I would consider the diagnosis of scabies, papular urticaria and bed bug bites. Scabies occurs due to infestation by a mite. You might have contacted it from your close contacts. You need to be treated using 5% permethrin cream which is given as a single overnight application. You could also take anti-itching tablets like benadryl for 10-15 days. Papular urticaria is a reaction to mosquito bites / other insect bites. It presents as small, red bumps usually on exposed areas of the body. It responds to hydrocortisone cream applied twice a day. I would also suggest you to rule out bed bug infestation as this also could present with similar rashes. Hope this helps you. Take care.