Large localized red itchy welts

I have large localized red itchy raised welts (4 quarter size under right buttock and 1/2 dollar size and one penny size next to it on right side buttock.) Thought I was bitten by mosquito on the way home from the gym(wearing shorts and T) but got home and found the welts. They itch very bad. I have checked for bedbugs...(no one has been sleeping in my bed but me, no hotel visits) I had one on the back of my thigh about a week ago,when I came from a friends house... but it went away...thought it was also a bite of some kind...any ideas WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I have no health ins. and don't really want to go to the emergency room....HELP I could send pic if that would help anyone...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be hives, sweat dermatitis or some fungal infection.
Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps. Application of steroid cream also helps.

If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.