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Suggest Treatment For Raised Bumps On Back And Swelling In Neck
Question: I got bit by something on my back twice, one at the top of my spine an one on my right shoulder area. There are just red raised bumps. Don't really hurt but I have had flu-like symptoms for 5 days now. Went to doc yesterday all labs were normal, lymes, mono. But today I noticed my neck on the right side in my hair line is swollen and when I turn my head in that direction it is tight like I can't turn it all the way. I still feel awful. I'm a little concerned
Brief Answer:
local reaction to insect bites
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is very reassuring that all of your labs were normal and that you have seen a doctor.
Insect bites, depending upon the insect type, can cause local and widespread symptoms that can present as flu like syndrome and local swelling. It sounds like you have unfortunately had both types of reaction.
I suggest that you use warm compresses on your stiff neck muscles and take a regular anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen for the next few days. If you start having fevers or if you develop redness at the site of the bites, these may be signs of infection so if these develop you should see a doctor again immediately.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Dr. Robinson
local reaction to insect bites
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is very reassuring that all of your labs were normal and that you have seen a doctor.
Insect bites, depending upon the insect type, can cause local and widespread symptoms that can present as flu like syndrome and local swelling. It sounds like you have unfortunately had both types of reaction.
I suggest that you use warm compresses on your stiff neck muscles and take a regular anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen for the next few days. If you start having fevers or if you develop redness at the site of the bites, these may be signs of infection so if these develop you should see a doctor again immediately.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Well I found out I have shingles. For years I have right sides headaches, right sides ear pain, right sides skin tenderness and feel like I have the flu and weak so much.now here's the wierd part, I also every so often get "pimples" behind my right ear, 1 pimple on my scalp in the exact same place and 1 on my cervical spine area.always the exact some place. Am I getting "bouts" of shingles over and over again? It all makes sense now
Brief Answer:
so sorry you have shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am so sorry to hear that you have shingles. That can be a very painful condition.
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a herpes type virus. Any of us who had chicken pox as a child can have the chicken pox virus stored in our nerve cells and it can come out at any time as shingles. Because it is a herpes type virus it can recur. Those pimples you get behind your ear may be the small blisters associated with shingles.
It may help you to get less recurrences if you get the shingles vaccine that is now available. It may also lessen the course of the outbreaks if you have a prescription for an antiviral like famvir to start taking immediately when you get an outbreak. Talk to your doctor about these options.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
so sorry you have shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am so sorry to hear that you have shingles. That can be a very painful condition.
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a herpes type virus. Any of us who had chicken pox as a child can have the chicken pox virus stored in our nerve cells and it can come out at any time as shingles. Because it is a herpes type virus it can recur. Those pimples you get behind your ear may be the small blisters associated with shingles.
It may help you to get less recurrences if you get the shingles vaccine that is now available. It may also lessen the course of the outbreaks if you have a prescription for an antiviral like famvir to start taking immediately when you get an outbreak. Talk to your doctor about these options.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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