Bites?

[cat]

I have several dozen spots scattered across my body that look like bites but I can't identify anything that may have bitten me.  They start out puffy like a mosquito bite but after a day or so get smaller and harder with a slightly raised center almost like an ant or chigger bite.  They are very red, maddeningly itchy, tend to pop up in clusters and take almost a month to go away.  I have washed all my bedding and furniture but it didn't help. I live in an area where bugs aren't even a problem in summer much less winter.  Any ideas?  Could it be some sort of mite?  Neither my pets or husband are having any signs.  Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Not sure,  Some people get folliculitis ("clogged pores") for no apparent reason.  These may look and behave like your spots.  Eventually, they just peter out and go away.  Bugs are unlikely if your husband hasn't got any.  You might try Sarna lotion for itch (non-Rx) to tide you over.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Joe]

I also have this problem.  The itch is so intense that I have bruised the skin on the inside of my thighs and the scratching on my legs has caused bleeding on a number of occasions.  The majority of the "bites" are on the inside of my thighs and around my navel.  I have had this condition for a couple of months and recently it has gotten worse and is driving me crazy!  please help!  I have taken to hiding out in the storage room at work just to scratch.

[dbites]

My son started with the same rash. They look like mosquito bites, they're very itchy. After a few days they get smaller and get a pin sized scab in the middle.
I have it now and I think my younger son has it too. Please help.