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What Causes Pain In The Ribs While Suspecting An Insect Bite?

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Posted on Wed, 21 Jun 2017
Question: I have hard nodule about 1/2" across under the skin just below my upper rib cage. It is painful on palpation. I have bougainvilla in my yard and I know there are spider mites in the bush. Could it be a bite?
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Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Most probably an abscess.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
To recapitulate: Female/70 - about 1/2'' hard nodule - under the skin - just below upper rib cage - painful on palpation - wants to know whether this is possible due to bite of spider mites in bougainvilla...
Spider bites usually cause flat lesions in the skin - rarely a nodue only if it gets infected. The skin shows distinct circular lesion and ecchymotic appearance.
Hence the most probable cause may be a small infected cyst or an abscess.
Since there is tenderness, it is better to take an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen if it suits you - better than aspirin. Ans also a shot course of an antibiotic to help resolve the infection at the earliest.

Please post clear and focused pictures if possible as these help for on-the-spot diagnosis.

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

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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What Causes Pain In The Ribs While Suspecting An Insect Bite?

Brief Answer: Most probably an abscess. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific. To recapitulate: Female/70 - about 1/2'' hard nodule - under the skin - just below upper rib cage - painful on palpation - wants to know whether this is possible due to bite of spider mites in bougainvilla... Spider bites usually cause flat lesions in the skin - rarely a nodue only if it gets infected. The skin shows distinct circular lesion and ecchymotic appearance. Hence the most probable cause may be a small infected cyst or an abscess. Since there is tenderness, it is better to take an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen if it suits you - better than aspirin. Ans also a shot course of an antibiotic to help resolve the infection at the earliest. Please post clear and focused pictures if possible as these help for on-the-spot diagnosis.