Rash

I have a 6 month old daughter who developed two erythematous papules on her right arm 3 weeks ago. The papules are approx 4mm in diameter. They initially started off as dots for the first few days. The papules are firm and nontender. The papules seem to not bother her, she is not scratching.  3 days ago she developed similar papules on her face and left arm. We have 3 cats and 1 dog. No new detergents or soaps. She has no fever or viral symptoms. She was seen by her Pediatrician who diagnosed them as bug bites. I agree with his diagnosis. However, I am concerned that this has not resolved in 3 weeks.  Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Bug bites are certainly the most likely cause.  The skin inflammation bites bring can hang around for weeks to months.  If the bumps slowly resolve, I'd ignore them.  If they enlarge or become more numerous, I would have a skin doctor take a look, since there are some benign skin conditions kids get that may look like bites.  But these are so rare I'd proceed for the foreseeable term on the assumption that bites is what they are.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff