itchy blister

about 2 wks ago i noticed 2 small spots on my upper leg/inner thigh area.  they were reddish/brownish in color, and not raised.  a few days later it turned into a small blister & the area surrounding the blister became itchy.  i assumed i was having a reaction to an insect bite.  the blister eventually popped with very little clear liquid, and from then on the area has been really itchy.  the blister area now looks like a scab but the area around it is still itchy.  because i've been scratching the area, i now have hives surrounding the scab area & i believe it has also become infected cause the area is now hot, has spread & feels tight.  if this wasn't an insect bite, what could it have been??  any idea??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is very difficult confirming a diagnosis without examination but it can be contact dermatitis, insect bites, phytophoto reaction, erythema mulitiforme or herpetic sore. Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating. Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort. For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.

If the symptoms are worse then please get an evaluation done from a dermatologist.
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.