Eczema reaction to insect bites

[Blichmann]

I’ve developed what appears to be an allergic reaction to insect bites. Chigger bites are the common trigger, but black ant bites will also trigger a reaction. Mosquito bites and bee stings do NOT trigger a reaction.

The response is textbook dyshidrotic eczema on my hands. The site of the insect bites do not matter - I typically get bit in the legs or abdomen - the reaction is always the fingers of both hands. Fingers typically are inflamed to the degree that I cannot close my hand. Eczema typically starts within 24 hours of a bite. The more bites, the stronger the eczema reaction. The reaction lasts 7 to 10 days.

I’m a 60 year old male, with a history of childhood eczema, food allergies, and asthma. These all disappeared by the time I was 20. Other than occasion minor asthma triggered by mold or animals, I haven’t had any symptoms until recently. I’m outdoors a lot, so insect bites have always been fairly common, even though I typically use some form of repellent when in the woods. The bite/eczema sensitization started about 2 years ago, and is slowly escalating.

I take Zirtec daily. If I have a reaction, I use Floucinonide 0.05%, which slowly clears up the eczema.

How can I lower my sensitivity to insect bites?

Thanks - any advice is appreciated.

[talkhealth]

Hello Blichmann and thank you for posting in the forum.

Sorry to read about your reaction to insect bites. You may need to talk to your doctor as he/she should be able to recommend the best treatment - you may need something on prescription, or your doctor may recommend a different course of treatment.

Please let us know how things go.

[talkhealth]

Hi Blichmann

At talkhealth we will be running an online clinic on Allergies from 4 February. Get your questions to o our panel of experts, https://bit.ly/2R5ipdr. Clinical experts will be available to answer questions on issues surrounding food allergies, hay fever, drug and environmental allergies, symptoms and treatments.

Kind regards
talkhealth