Small Non-Itchy Red Bumps on Upper Thigh

Hi,

About three weeks ago I had a friend come stay with me who had scabies but did not know until she went home. I of course freaked out once I knew she had scabies and analyzed my body continuously. A few very red blistery looking bumps showed up on the back of my knee about a week later and I immediately went to the doctor, got the cream, applied it to my husband and I and thoroughly washed everything in the entire house. I then went out of town for a week and just got home last Sunday. Monday I noticed about 6 red bumps in one area on my inner thigh. They do not itch at all but do look similar to scabies. During this past week they have been fading, which has made my worry go down a little bit...but I just noticed two more on the back of my thigh and am freaking out. I really hate this and am paranoid and feel like crying all the time!

I have a couple ideas...

1) It could be scabies and I was somehow reinfested?
2) Do the scabies eggs (etc.) still come to the surface and cause rashes even after treatment?

Please help me feel less paranoid. I don't know what to do and don't have insurance because my husband was recently laid off so I don't want to go to the doctor if it isn't necessary. Thanks so much!!!

Cyndi

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since the bumps are non itchy, so scabies is less likely. Scabies is a highly contagious disease and is characterized by intense itching, usually at night and by small insect-type bites lesions on the skin. From the symptoms it can be simple folliculitis. Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.

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.

[sweetsweetcyn]

Thanks for the reassurance, it has definitely helped me feel a little better. I have gotten a few more on the back of my upper thighs, but they still don't really itch unless I'm sitting (I also have eczema and it feels similar to that kind of itch, and doesn't itch worse at night). I was looking at it and there is actually also a splotchy light brownish spot (pretty hard to see) on the back of both of my thighs.

I was looking this up and a lot of people have talked about it as a fungus caused from sweat. So I'm hoping that's what it is...I do live in Texas and I do go outside a lot. This is so confusing, but I am going to stop worrying about scabies unless it gets intensely itchy or appears on my hands or feet or something.

Thanks so much for answering. Do you think I should try an anti-fungal cream on the back of my thighs as well? About to head to the store and try to find something.

Thanks again!!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Avoid licking the lips as saliva evaporates quickly resulting in them being drier than before. Drink plenty of water and take multivitamin supplements and do not apply lipstick or other cosmetic products for some days. Use a humidifier to moisturize the air in your home and apply shea butter or Vaseline on your lips.You can also use a homemade ointment mixed from 1 tsp glycerine, 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp castor oil. Spread on lips overnight, refrigerating the leftovers for future use. Eat foods high in calcium, magnesium and flaxseed oil. If a week of compresses and emollients don't do the trick, you can add over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment to your regimen.

If the condition still persists or there is deep cracking in the region of your mouth, then please consult your doctor as it can be due to infection(Angular Cheilitis).Antibiotics are needed in such cases.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Sorry replied to an earlier question first.
Until and unless it is confirmed that it is a fungal infection, you should not use topical and oral antifungals. I suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get KOH examination of the skin scrapings done.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.