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

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Extreme Pruritus After Bug Bite

default
Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014
Question: Bug bite 36 hrs ago
Immediate onset of extreme puritis
Slow swelling
Picture attached
Is this cellulitis?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
?Papular urticaria if itching but not painful

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in.

There are many types of bugs around and bug bites range from the most mildest form to the severest. The key characteristics of cellulitis are redness, warmth, tenderness, and swelling of the skin. It looks like you have a bugbite of a mild degree as you say there is pruritis but no pain as such. Pruritis or intense itching might arise as a skin hypersensitivity reaction to the bugbite and subsequent skin irritation.

I hope you have taken the basic first aid recommended for bugbites:
1. Remove any stinger. Wash the area with soap and water.
2. Apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice to reduce pain and swelling.
3. Try a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen reduce pain
4. Apply a topical cream to ease pain and provide itch relief. Creams containing ingredients such as hydrocortisone or lidocaine may help control pain. 5. Other creams, such as calamine lotion or those containing colloidal oatmeal or baking soda, can help soothe itchy skin.
6. Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) or cetrizine.

If there is no pain, tenderness and warmth (I can see the redness), then the possibility of papular urticaria may be considered. Papular urticaria is a dermal hypersensitivity reaction to an insect bite, most commonly from a flea or mosquito and this usually is seen in children and those with a hypersensitive immune system.

The lesions usually develop within hours of a bite and persist for an average of 1 to 2 weeks. The areas typically affected are the head and neck or the upper or lower extremities.Patients most often complain of intense
itching. The pathogenesis is proposed to be mediated by the immune complex, and tissue biopsy study shows increased eosinophils. The eosinophils stimulate mast cells, causing release of histamine, leading to increased vascular
permeability, edema, and erythema.

Please note that my observations are based on the information provided by you and if you are in doubt please discuss in details with your doctor as cellulitis is a medical emergency.

Wishing you good health.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 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
Suggest Treatment For Extreme Pruritus After Bug Bite

Brief Answer: ?Papular urticaria if itching but not painful Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXX, Thanks for writing in. There are many types of bugs around and bug bites range from the most mildest form to the severest. The key characteristics of cellulitis are redness, warmth, tenderness, and swelling of the skin. It looks like you have a bugbite of a mild degree as you say there is pruritis but no pain as such. Pruritis or intense itching might arise as a skin hypersensitivity reaction to the bugbite and subsequent skin irritation. I hope you have taken the basic first aid recommended for bugbites: 1. Remove any stinger. Wash the area with soap and water. 2. Apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice to reduce pain and swelling. 3. Try a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen reduce pain 4. Apply a topical cream to ease pain and provide itch relief. Creams containing ingredients such as hydrocortisone or lidocaine may help control pain. 5. Other creams, such as calamine lotion or those containing colloidal oatmeal or baking soda, can help soothe itchy skin. 6. Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) or cetrizine. If there is no pain, tenderness and warmth (I can see the redness), then the possibility of papular urticaria may be considered. Papular urticaria is a dermal hypersensitivity reaction to an insect bite, most commonly from a flea or mosquito and this usually is seen in children and those with a hypersensitive immune system. The lesions usually develop within hours of a bite and persist for an average of 1 to 2 weeks. The areas typically affected are the head and neck or the upper or lower extremities.Patients most often complain of intense itching. The pathogenesis is proposed to be mediated by the immune complex, and tissue biopsy study shows increased eosinophils. The eosinophils stimulate mast cells, causing release of histamine, leading to increased vascular permeability, edema, and erythema. Please note that my observations are based on the information provided by you and if you are in doubt please discuss in details with your doctor as cellulitis is a medical emergency. Wishing you good health. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek