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How Must Several Large Bruises On My Upper Thigh And A Possible Insect Bite Be Treated?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Feb 2021
Question: Good evening.
I have several large bruises on my upper left thigh. One in particular is about the size of a softball. Other bruising is located on my right leg behind my knee. These first appeared early this morning, but started out itching last night after walking my pet. We typically walk 3-5 miles a day on sidewalks, but occasionally he tends to veer off towards the grass & trees.

This afternoon I spotted a tick-like insect crawling on my leg. It was not embedded in my skin. I grabbed if and took it outside where I killed it by using the closest object to “squish” it. I then removed it from the concrete using a piece of duct tape in case it needs closer examination.

When I spoke to a friend, it was suggested that it could have been a bed bug. However, my pet has had a slight bout with ticks this year. His medicine will arrive tomorrow. Should I stop walking, or is treating my pet enough if it is in fact a tick issue?
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Bed bug

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I checked the bruise images and the image of the insect that was stuck on the duct tape.
It looks like a bed bug and not a tick.
The rash or bruise image is not a typical tick bite. Tick bite has spreading ring like lesion and a lot of inflammatory reaction like swelling and redness which is not appearing on your skin.
You can continue treating your pet with tick medication.
For now you can apply hydrocortisone cream over the rash and calamine lotion and watch.
Hope this helps.
If it still spreads head to a doctor.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (5 minutes later)
Have you any idea what may have caused such bruising? Picture may not show the red warm center (about the size of a quarter) on the upper thigh bruise. It was raised and still swollen.

Also, I have not fallen, or run into any objects, and there are many more smaller random bruises on the same leg. The bruise behind the right knee (in the crease) is rather large.

Thank you,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Bruises

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Are you on any other medications or have any other medical problems?
Honestly I did not locate the large bruise behind the right knee in your set of pictures attached.
The bruise I find seem to be from the upper thigh and they look more like oozing a small amount of capillaries under the skin. They may not be related to tick bite. They can be from bed bug. If it is from bed bug and since you say its swollen I suggest to apply a paste of DISPRIN over it (mix DISPRIN pill with water to make paste) if you are not allergic to DISPRIN. The swelling and redness will subside.
If it is turning black it means it is from oozing of capillaries under the skin which will vanish spontaneously.
Keep a close watch on existing bruises and check if you are developing newer ones, if you are seeing newer ones please see local doctor for battery of tests like LFT, Bleeding time, clotting time, Blood counts.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (2 days later)
Good evening,
I saw a Nurse Practioner two days ago regarding all of the bruising on my thighs and behind my knee. I understand that you were unable to see the bruises behind my knee, but I think that was due to the lighting and my lack of self-photo taking skills. At any rate, she did not feel that I had been bitten by anything.

NP ordered a CBC and one other blood test which I am not familiar with, but I know it started with the letter “P.” I received word today that tests revealed anemia, and that I should go back in the morning for further testing.

Obviously, the combination of bruises and anemia have me concerned. I am prone to night sweats, but I always assumed it was because I am cold natured and use more blankets than most.

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was around 32 yrs. old; however, I gave birth to three children. PCOS runs in my family (both sisters.)
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (30 hours later)
Brief Answer:
night sweats, anemia should be investigated.

Detailed Answer:
There was a technical glitch for replying you. I was trying to answer since last 24 hours. I am sorry for being late.
May be the test was Platelet count. If there are low platelets it can bleed under the skin and appear as bruises.
Low platelets and anemia are not good and they have to be further tested for causes.Night sweats can be a clue to further narrow down the causes of the problem.
I suggest you to go a primary physician or Hematologist instead of RNP.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (3 hours later)
Thank you very much for continuing to try to reply to my question despite the glitch, Dr.Pariman.
Yes, I had forgotten to mention the night sweats initially because I thought it was not a medical issue. Sorry about that. It occurs maybe 2 or 3 times a month. I thought it was because of the excess blankets, and the fact that I had the ceiling fan on at the same time. Nevertheless, when It got close to the morning hour my sheets and I would be completely drenched with sweat.

You are right about the extra tests I had done yesterday. I looked them up, and from what I could gather they were types of platelet tests.

I know that only time will tell, but one specialist on healthcare magic.com, an Oncologist, replied that I needed to have a bone aspiration test, and one other type of bone test. Needless to say, I am very, very concerned. I’m sure that is the case with most patients who are in the “waiting game” of testing. Since my medical office is closed today I won’t receive the results until Monday.

The only question I have now is this: Is the platelet test’s only purpose to tell if I have blood clotting issues, or can it reveal what the Oncologist suspected, which is CML?

I inquired at the doctor’s office who my PCP is. I was told that it is my Nurse Practioner. Would you recommend changing practices since this is the case, or is it too soon to say? I have three young children and a wonderful husband, so I do not want to waste valuable time trying to receive a diagnosis.

I did experience severely bad stomach bloating for about 5 months over a year ago. I looked 6 months pregnant, and was constipated for up to two weeks at a time. My nurse practitioner in Florida at the time said I most likely had diverticulitis. She did not examine my abdomen when she diagnosed me. If I still have a photo of my swollen abdomen from that time period I will attach to this report. If I no longer have the photo, my description is no exaggeration. Everyone was baffled by my appearance.

Thank you once again for reaching out.
Melissa Tedesco

doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (44 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Further testing and quick diagnosis

Detailed Answer:
Is the platelet test’s only purpose to tell if I have blood clotting issues, or can it reveal what the Oncologist suspected, which is CML?

Platelet tests are the first test to check for clotting issues. Only platelet tests would not reveal CML it needs further testing and bone marrow was certainly necessary.

As I was saying low platelets and anemia, the standard protocol is to aspirate the bone marrow for further testing. Oncologist was explicit to say.
I suggest changing the primary care. RNP would mean to test more before applying clinical principles. Obviously it would take more time to diagnose.
Since your family is dependent on you I suggest not to waste more time running around without ordering correct tests in one GO.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (14 minutes later)
Dr. Parinam,

You are very kind to follow up with me and I appreciate your tactfully stated opinion.

Rich blessings,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (18 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please close and rate my answer.

Detailed Answer:
Remember that whatever the diagnosis is made, it needs your inner strength to fight it. Doctors or Nurses can only aid with information and medicine prescription. Whether it is simple or worrisome reason it needs a holistic approach to deal with.

All the best. Please close and rate my answer.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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How Must Several Large Bruises On My Upper Thigh And A Possible Insect Bite Be Treated?

Brief Answer: Bed bug Detailed Answer: Hi, I checked the bruise images and the image of the insect that was stuck on the duct tape. It looks like a bed bug and not a tick. The rash or bruise image is not a typical tick bite. Tick bite has spreading ring like lesion and a lot of inflammatory reaction like swelling and redness which is not appearing on your skin. You can continue treating your pet with tick medication. For now you can apply hydrocortisone cream over the rash and calamine lotion and watch. Hope this helps. If it still spreads head to a doctor.