What causes bluish-red rash on the side of the neck?

Question

Hello doctor,

This is regarding my friend's infection condition. He went to a sleepover at a friend's place and the next day had a bluish-red rash on the right side of his neck. It was very painful. He consulted a doctor who gave injection for a fungal infection. But the next day the rash was bigger and prominent than before. The pain was also more severe and movements were difficult. I am attaching a picture of each of these two days.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I have seen the attached photographs (the attachment was removed to protect the patient's identity). As per the details, it seems that your friend has a condition of the skin called paederus dermatitis. It is also known as insect bite dermatitis. It is characterized by a sudden spontaneous rash which is red colored with a black bite mark and is mostly painful or associated with a burning sensation.

In such cases, I prefer to advise oral antibiotics like Cloxacillin and topical cream containing a combination of antibiotic and steroid-like Futop-B cream. It is to be applied over the affected area twice daily for five to seven days. In addition, antihistamines like the tablet Levocetirizine also help.

Kindly consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.