Small Red Bumps

[mandi762]

I recently moved into what can only be described as a crappy college apartment. This complex allows pets, and although I do not have a pet, my apartment became infested with fleas. I received many flea bites until the exterminator came. After over a month, the bites are no longer swollen, but are still red and very dry. Also, several cuts I have are taking just as long to heal, and look the same- red and dry. I went to the doctor with suspicion of a staph infection, but was told that it was only an exaggerated reaction to the fleas. However, tiny redish pink single bumps keep appearing all over my body, except for my face. If i scratch them or pick at them, they become what looks like the flea bites- red and dry. What can this be? My doctor does not seem to believe me that it is not just an allergic reaction to the fleas, even though it has been over a month!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
In case of flea bites firstly, it’s important to keep the affected area clean. 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.
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. In case of intense itching an oral dose of anti-histamine is very effective in relieving itch. Once the itch stops, you will stop scratching as well and the healing will take place faster.

But if the symptoms do not improve or worsen then please consult a dermatologist a course of antibiotics and a jab of steroid may be needed to stop the inflammation.
Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.