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

question-icon

What Causes Reddish Brown Insect Bite On Arm?

default
Posted on Tue, 22 Jul 2014
Question: As I was washing up to go to bed, I noticed that my right wrist was a different color of skin than the rest of my arm. Then I noticed what appears to be a bite with a very white lumpy section around it. THe reddish-brownish area is spreading under and over my wrist - about 2- 2-1/2 inches; I have no real pain or itching and do not know when this started. I know it wasn't this afternoon, as I was shopping and trying on clothes and would have noticed. I did have a slight fever a few hours ago - feeling very hot. It is gone now. I called the emergency room and nurse said come in if I'm worried. Earlier today I was using a broom to brush spider webs from around the lights, etc. on the house. I was never close to any of the webs, except to brush them off the broom - and saw only one spider the whole time. I need to know if I should be seen. I live in EWA where there are poison spiders - that's new to me. What do you think? (I did look up bug bites and it doesn't look like any on the slides.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Antihistamine and medical attention needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and the photographs.

It looks to be a insect-bite. IT may be a spider-bit.
Irrespective of the insect generalized treatment will be the same.

First of all wash the area with soap and water.
Do not handle/ fiddle/ press on to the area at all.
If you have an antihistamine at home, (even a cough ''syrup''- syrup always have an antihistamine in it) take a dose of it.

It is better to visit a Doctor, as the picture / character of the bite will change with time and a Doctor can treat according to an anticipated course. You any need further treatment as per the development. He may add antibiotic and steroids if required ( not needed at this stage).

One can not pin-point which insect unless you have actually seen the insect; so a generalized treatment is required.
The history of fever and feeling very hot goes in favor of a great histamine response of the body this insect bite.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (17 hours later)
I did go to the doctor; it turns out to be a bruise that finally came to the surface after an IV 6 days ago! It was frightening to watch the bruise grow, thinking it was the poison of an insect.
I could not stay up later to watch for your answer as it was already 4 am here!
I did not have any more than a 1 degree temperature and it was not hot nor very painful - only when pressing on the white area.
Thanks for the try with limited information.
You may note that I did mention the possibility of an IV problem in my last report on PDF before I went to bed.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
IV problem after 6 days is rare.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
The photos you posted are of a great quality , and I did wonder what a ''spot'' is like for.

It is a bit rare to have a problem with the IV after 6 days, in fact never observed this before. May I please know what was given through IV. Was it just IV fluids or antibiotics too?
It is possible that the very small infection or inflammation got reactivated due to excessive movement of the wrist while working with the broom.

I could see the PDF today only ( can see only after you post a question or add a note here) and is not opening on my PC.

How is it now?
One degree temperature rise and your history of feeling hot for some time again is a bit worrisome. May I know the treatment you are given now?





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. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Reddish Brown Insect Bite On Arm?

Brief Answer: Antihistamine and medical attention needed Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query and the photographs. It looks to be a insect-bite. IT may be a spider-bit. Irrespective of the insect generalized treatment will be the same. First of all wash the area with soap and water. Do not handle/ fiddle/ press on to the area at all. If you have an antihistamine at home, (even a cough ''syrup''- syrup always have an antihistamine in it) take a dose of it. It is better to visit a Doctor, as the picture / character of the bite will change with time and a Doctor can treat according to an anticipated course. You any need further treatment as per the development. He may add antibiotic and steroids if required ( not needed at this stage). One can not pin-point which insect unless you have actually seen the insect; so a generalized treatment is required. The history of fever and feeling very hot goes in favor of a great histamine response of the body this insect bite.