Bites after handling straw at stables

[Jim71]

Last monday 28.09.09. evening I carried bales of straw at a horses' stables and the following morning I woke up with around 45 bites on my torso and forearms. The bites had a small white spot in the middle and a circle of red emanating from it and were very itchy. Two days later the redness was not limited to a circle but also 'branched' extended outwards away from the cirlce and gives the impression of a rash.

I am told these bites were caused by straw mites that become especially active this time of year. I ve been bitten bitten before but nothing like this.

On wednesday I started using BETNOVATE ointment and XYZAL 5mg tablets (apparently for possibility of allergy) as prescribed by the doctor and my condition is slightly better but the bites look a mess.  

Question: Is the medication adequate or would you recommend an alternative?

And is there any way of protecting the body aganst such mites ? I have not yet been to the stables since being bitten to prevent risk of infection but I will, as I have to tend to the horses on a regular basis.

Thanks and regards,

Jim 71  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be an insect bite or contact dermatitis. 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.