bite/rash?

[abartlett]

My son and husband went fishing the other day and were in some weeds.  The next day, my son showed me this red bump and red area larger than a half dollar on his leg.  I have been cleaning it with peroxide and using neosporin.  It does not seem to be getting any better or worse.  The day after I started cleaning it, my son said that it broke open and alot of puss came out (I did not see this).  I do not know if it is a bite or a rash.  How should I treat this?

Thank you.

[abartlett]

Thank you for your response.  I will try the hydrocortizone cream and if it doesn't improve, I will take him to the doctor.  Again, thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be an insect bite, contact dermatitis, boil or tick bite. Wash the bites with some antiseptic lotion or soap. Use cold water but avoid the use of warm or hot water as this may tend to stimulate itch. Secondly, apply a cold pack over the bites to reduce swelling.

Please do not scratch the inflamed area as this may lead to open wounds and secondary infections. You may apply a mild steroid cream like 1% hydrocortisone cream and give OTC anthistaminics like benadryl or Claritin. But if the symptoms do not improve or worsen then please consult a dermatologist as a course of antibiotics and a jab of steroid may be needed to stop the inflammation.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.