Allergy sufferers are prone to large localised bumps on the skin due to midge, mosquito and fleabites in the summer. These reactions can be intensely itch and quite often swollen affecting the face and eyelids in small children. They also tend to occur in groups on the skin. This isn’t a true allergic reaction but a hypersensitivity to the insect’s saliva, which we call Papular Urticaria. These itchy lesions can be numerous, blister and last for many days resulting in a hard nodule under the skin. If scratched they can become infected with Impetigo. Treatment recommended is simple antihistamines orally or anti-itch creams like Calamine, as well as Fucibet cream to settle them down more quickly if infected. Insect repellent creams and sprays such as Tabard and Citronella should be applied to prevent insect bites.
