Bumpy thighs and under arm

i dont know if its a rash or what. i have just moved into a friends house, when i moved in there were no ants now there all over the place so i couldnt sleep on the floor anymore, now i sleep on the couch. so after getting several ant bites i noticed small bumps on my inner thigh. it felt a bit swollen but nothing uncomfortabler. a few days later it turned into a full out bump fest on my inner thigh and its very ichy. i didnt know what to do (and i was a bit buzzed) so i scratched the hell out of it it helped after a cold shower, and i noticed no matter how hard i scratched the skin didnt break. a day later it spead to my beltline, on my neck, and on my tricepts. it itches like hell cold water does the trick for as while. so does a/c. but the itch wont go. im wondering if it could be im allergic to ants but ive never been allergic to anything and the worst rash i ever get is a cold sore. im also wondering if it could be theres couch bugs. im on a tight budget i dont care what to pay for a over the counter cream but i dont have money to go though 20 of them to find out i need steroids or something. if anyone can help i would be ever so greatful. also it burns when i sweat.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to insect bites or scabies. 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 take OTC anthistaminics like benadryl or Claritin.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.