Big red itchy bupms

Hi,
About 4 days ago i noticed 5 red, itchy bumps on my right arm and 1 on the lower part of my stomach. They look like bug bited because they have that dot in the middle where the bite might have happend. Two days later I noticed 5 more on the same arm. I've been taking benodryl, applying gold bond, afterbite and sitting in oatmeal baths and nothing seems to be working. They seem to puss as well and its quite gross.
What should I do? Nothing seems to be working, although my initial bites aren't as itchy anymore...Please give me some suggestions

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to infected hair follicles or infected insect bites. You may take oral antihistaminics like benadryl or zyrtec.Also apply calamine lotion as it has a soothing effect on the skin. You can apply a mild steroid cream but use it after a dermatologist’s prescription. If the symptoms are severe then oral steroids and antibiotics may be needed.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.