what is it

[imagoober]

I have been having some skin issues for about 2 weeks now.  WE went fishing and I was in the water when we came home I had a bite on my foot that got really big and swollen my stomach aslo broke out in a rash at the same time.  The foot is better now but I have more rash on my stomach and it has spread to my hip and buttucks.  i am also feeling sick with a stomach ache and headache and just do not have any energy.  Is this all related?

[Sheri9963]

Hello, I have bites that sound similar to yours. Mine are from the tiny little gnats called no see ums. They are horrible and I have had mine for about 5 weeks. Once you scratch them they scab over and itch and burn. It's like a vicous cycle because when they never seem to heal if you scratch them at all. The ones that have healed are leaving pink flat scars. I did see a doctor who prescribed an antibiotic, but it doesn't seem to be helping. These bugs are small enough to come in through your screens in the windows. If your not being bitten when outside they could be getting into your house. Good luck!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Yes. Insects are not entirely harmless , they may serve as vectors or carriers of certain diseases such as dengue, malaria, rocky mountain spotted fever etc. Always use clothes that cover most areas of the body when staying outdoors. Also, insect repellents may prove useful. Make sure you have no allergies to the repellents and use those repellents with organic ingredients if possible.

[imagoober]

The doctor I saw today agreed that the  bite on the foot and all the rest of my systems are related.  He put me on doxycycline 100 mg tablets to take 2 times a day and gave me a steriod shot to help with all the symptoms until the medication kicks in.  It has almost been 4 hours since I saw the doctor and for the first time in 4 days my head is not killing me.  Thanks for the advise. I have new respect for bug spray and shaking out my shoes before I put them on.  I never thought you could get so sick from a bug I didn't even see bite me.  My daughter has a doctor appt with the same doctor I saw today on Monday and he said he would give me a quick once over to make sure everything is going O.K.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Then you would need blood tests done here. A rash and abdominal pain with a history of a possible insect bite, need further blood tests. A referral to an infectious specialist may help if the rash and abdominal pain persists. However, fever was not present so an infection may be likely but not a very strong differential. An allergic reaction to the bite is to be considered here also. This way, you may need to have this assessed immediately so the proper management be given. Watch out for diarrhea, difficulty of breathing or any feeling of faintness.

[imagoober]

no fever and to what it was that bit me take your pick we live in MO.  It could of been one of the many spiders brown recluse maybe I saw many of them in the restrooms at the river.  There is also the different ticks, bitting flies, nats, and the different types of wasps.  I do know what ever bit me there was no pain when it bit me.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

I suggest that you have this immediately assessed by your doctor. A complete physical examination and blood tests are necessary. I suggest that complete blood count, abdominal CT scan, stool exam, and urinalysis may be initially done. Also, aPTT and PT , which are coagulation markers are also necessary. We need to rule out an infectious process here.

What could have bitten you?

Is there any associated fever?