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What Causes Severe Itching On The Leg After An Insect Bite?

Posted on Mon, 2 Jan 2017

Question: Two nights ago while in bed I was bit by something, (it felt like I was touched with a hot match, twice) on my leg (upper thigh). I didn't pay any attention to it until yesterday I noticed my leg itching like crazy. There's two small sores about an inch apart and in the center of a knot that was raised, felt solid, and hot and like I said itching intensely. I have tried not to scratch it but what was the size of my palm is now as big or bigger than my open hand, fingers spread and I think it's getting bigger. I checked our bed and around it but didn't find anything.
About thirty years ago I had a similar situation after getting bit by a fire ant behind my knee, but I can't remember what I did to relieve the symptoms.
Do I need to go to urgent care? Is there anything I can get, over the counter to treat this?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Insect bite reaction, cortisone & neosporin cream & anti-histaminic

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at Health Care Magic

I have reviewed the attached photograph and it seems to be insect bite reaction.

If I was your treating doctor I would recommend you to apply a topical steroid and antibiotic combination like neosporin ointment and cortisone cream on the affected areas twice daily and take anti-histaminic like tablet Cetirizine 10 mg twice daily for 5-7 days.

If the reaction doesn't show improvement in 2-3 days you may require a short course of oral steroids.
Steroids are prescription drugs and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.

Besides this, wash the area with plain water only, no need to use soap, peroxide or cold compresses.

Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (15 minutes later)

Can Cetirizine be purchased over the counter? If not are there any anti-histaminics like it available for over the counter purchase?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can take tablet Chlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg

Detailed Answer:
I think cetrizine should be available over the counter.
Otherwise you can take tablet Chlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg twice or thrice daily depending on the intensity of itching. It is available over the counter.

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy