Leg rash, whiteheads, post elephant ride/mosquito bites

[Evanwickersham82]

Hello.
I'm on vacation in Thailand and yesterday I noticed a rash developing on my right leg just above the ankle. The bumps were red and slightly raised. A nurse at the hotel gave me antihistamines believing it was an allergic reaction. He also gave me a cream which he wasn't in a hurry to explain. So I don't know what's in it.

After several hours I developed more bumps up my leg, an additional 6 or so. About that time the earlier rash just above my ankles turned into white heads.

This morning the spread has seemed to stop. Nurse thought it was an allergy or chickenpox.

Any ideas on what this is?

Facts:
I have several mosquito bites on my ankles from several days ago around Chiang Mai, Thailand. I also rode an elephant with really bristly hairs that agitated my legs but didn't didn't think much of it.

[Harker86]

I rode an elephant in Thailand on the 14th December and I still have new white head spots developing on my bum and thighs. I've applied anti-biotic cream to the area constantly and been on a course of oral antibiotics-and still it continues! I'm fed up but also a bit worried now. The doctor suspected a kind of bacterial infection that got into aggravated skin (folliculitis) but I'm worried about parasites or something.

[Scorpion74]

Hello,

I am sure I have elephant mite bites from riding elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand almost  2 weeks ago.  Is there any cure to this other then taking the benedryl? My friend has huge bruised looking mosquito bites (or so we think) any advise for those as well?

Thank you,
jessica

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms these can be due to viral rashes, allergies, insect bites or folliculitis skin. Oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl can be used but may cause drowsiness. You should take a comfortably cool bath and wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. Application of calamine lotion also helps.
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.