Bites?

[hyepod]

My neighbor, a senior, recently developed several small (approx. 5 mm) red small bumps on one leg.  She denies being bitten by any insects.  At one site, there are three such bumps (nodules) together.  Elsewhere on the leg, there a few of them, but they are solitary, and no where near another such lesion.  Two of them have a crust on top.  Three have a "ridge" of skin that encircles them, like foreskin.  I've never seen anything like it.  Her PCP has no idea what they are.  She has not been taking new medication that may have caused this issue.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

If there are no evidence of  insect bites, this may be due to fungal infection or due to mites. Mites cause several forms of allergic diseases, including hay fever, asthma and eczema and also aggravates atopic dermatitis. They are usually found in warm and humid locations. Ringworm,  on the other hand, is an infection of the skin, characterized by a reddish to brownish raised or bumpy patch of skin that may be lighter in the center, giving the appearance of a “ring.” It is caused by a parasitic fungi and can exist anywhere on the body.  Diagnosis may be done through skin scrapings evaluated under the microscope. Are there other signs or symptoms present? If there is itching, over-the-counter antihistamine could help. Try to avoid manipulating the lesions to avoid secondary infection. But if her condition persists, it is best to see a doctor for further evaluation and management.

Take care and regards.

[RJ233]

If the center of the site scabs, the ridge of skin around it drains like a blister would, scabs and becomes a part of the center, then another ridge of skin surrounds it (it becomes a repeating cycle) then it is ringworm. The dr will have to give her medication to put on it and it is very contagious.