What Causes Itchy Reddish Bumps On Ankle And Abdominal Area?

Posted on Wed, 9 Sep 2015

Question: Hello,

Lately I've been noticing these red bumps on my skin. I have a few of them—probably 3 or 4 right now. They itch, but not terribly. Most of the time I don't notice them, but they itch most of all in the shower when hot water is running over them.

I first noticed one on my ankle. Later had one in abdomen area. The one in ankle seemed to go away, then return. I have now 2 in abdomen (opposite sides) and 1 on ankle.

Any idea what could be causing them, and how I could treat them, or if I should see a doctor?

Attached 3 pics: one of spot ankle, others of spots on abdomen area.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of either Scabies Or Papular urticaria

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Images. I can see a few excoriated, red, bumps in these images.

I will like to keep a possibility of either Scabies which is an infection caused by a mite sarcoptes scabiei and another possibility of Papular urticaria which is basically hypersensitivity to an insect bite.
If I wa the treating doctor I would treat you empirically for scabies with a single dose of Ivermectol 12 mg tablet. You may repeat another dose after 1 week.
I also suggest an OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily in evening for symptomatic relief from itching.
Topically you may use a moderately potent steroid cream e.g triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Or Betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream, twice daily for a few days.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 minutes later)

If scabies how could that be aquired? Also should family members all be treated too?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Transmission is by skin to skin contact; all in family should be treated

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Scabies is usually transmitted by skin to skin contact with a person who has scabies. Scabies sometimes also can be spread by contact with items such as clothing, bedding, or towels that have been used by a person with scabies.

Yes, ideally all family members should be treated simultaneously. Do any of your family members also complain of itching Or skin lesions?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

No, no one else has reported any itching or bumps .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would like to treat you empirically for scabies and papular urticaria

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Still, I would like to treat you empirically for scabies since it is one of the possibilities. Scabies is not a confirmed diagnosis here since you don't have a classic widespread distribution seen in cases of scabies who present late. Scabies is just one possibility. The other possibility that I had kept is of hypersensitivity to insect bite and I would like to cover for that also.

In scabies, not everyone in family would develop itching at the same time. Other members might still be incubating infection and may developing itching later. Moreover, good hygiene and cleanliness in patients and other family members is not conducive to transmission of scabies to other family members.

I would once again reiterate treatment for scabies i.e a tablet of Ivermectol 12 mg; just a single dose is curative of scabies.
A tablet of cetrizine would provide you symptomatic relief from itching.
Topically you may use a moderately potent topical steroid cream i.e either triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Or Betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream, twice daily for a week.
Topical steroids and oral cetrizine would also work for papular urticaria which is my other possibility.

Regards

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