HomeAnswersInternal Medicineinsect biteI have swelling, a large red rash, and severe itching. Why?

Can the swelling and the red rash with itching on my back be due to bug bite?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 30, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am experiencing swelling, a large red rash on my back, and severe itching, which may be a bug bite. Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I reviewed the picture (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). There is an erythematous patch and swelling with erythema present. Are both the same lesion or present at a different area of the body? One of the common causes of such localized lesions is an allergic reaction to a bug bite. I would suggest the following:

  1. Apply steroid cream containing Hydrocortisone 1 percent twice a day.
  2. Take antihistamine medication containing Fexofenadine 120 mg or Fexofenadine and Montelukast combination once a day for five days.
  3. Change clothing, including bedsheets, and spray in the room for possible bugs or insects.
  4. Please visit the nearest healthcare facility if the itching is very severe.

Kindly revert for more queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have been using Diphenhydramine HCl 2 percent spray, which has been helping. Thank you for confirming they are bug bites. I think they are spider bites. I will follow your instructions.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com

Did you identify a spider in your living room? If yes, then it could be a spider bug bite. Also, I would suggest the following:

  1. Apply a cool compress over the bite for a few minutes each hour. Use a clean cloth dampened with water or filled with ice. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
  2. Make sure to spray insecticide in the room to avoid or prevent further bug bites.
  3. Watch for any pain, swelling, itching, or developing pus points in the upcoming days and follow up accordingly.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat
Dr. Basuki Nath Bhagat

Family Physician

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