Not sure if its a rash or bites...

[elymae]

So i have had these chigger like bites (not red, but the color of my skin) on the back of my thighs, butt, and stomach.  I went to my physician and he prescribed me a steroid cream and antibiotics thinking that it is a rash that is in my hair follicles.... Its not helping.  I have done so much research online that my head is spinning.  I thought it was bed bugs, but ruled that out due to the bites.  I thought it was dust mytes but found out that they dont bite.  My house does not have fleas and im bombed my house several times.  Im barely outside.  The bites/bumps come up out of nowhere!! They are itchy and driving me insane.. I dont think its a rash anymore and am thinking they are bites but can not figure out from what!!! PLEASE HELP!

The picture isnt very good, but the long scratch is from me scratching them...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The usual treatment of scabies is topical permethrin. It is the most effective scabicidal medication. Usually applied overnight and repeated weekly once for 2-3 weeks. The skin should be cool and dry before applying the anti-scabies medications. Avoid taking hot water baths before as this will cause the medication to be absorbed deeper.

But sometimes itching of scabies persists for a few days after completion of treatment also and sometimes there may be recurrent and chronic cases which may require oral treatment of ivermectin. It is basically reserved for very severe, chronic and stubborn scabies that does not respond to conventional therapies.

So you should continue the permethrin treatment for a few days more and if the symptoms persist then oral ivermectin may need to be prescribed. There is a rule that all family members of the patient of scabies also need to be treated even if they do not have any itching or rashes. Hence please ensure that all your family members also get the topical treatment. If the itching persists even after treatment completion then oral antihistaminics can be taken because itching of scabies takes some days to settle down.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[maatson]

Some times a delyed hypersensitivity mechanism causes the itch despite treating for the mites. A couse of antihistamines should clear the issue. Do consult your doc.

[elymae]

I went to see my doctor and he does think its mites.  He prescribed me permethran cream.  I put it on as directed and it went away, but it has came back.  I do believe that they are mites, but how do i get rid of them?  Are they in my house?  If so, how do i get rid of them?  I have washed my sheets and clothes with hot hot water and have bombed many times.  I am so tired of this and can not get into a dermatologist for quite some time...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For such symptoms scabies is an important possibility. It is characterized by intense itching, usually at night and by small insect-type bites lesions on the skin between the fingers and toes but can be found on thighs, trunk etc. Diagnosis of scabies is made by scraping the skin and viewing the material under a microscope to see the characteristic mite or eggs.

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