Small raised bumps in arms, occasionally itchy. BUG BITES?

Resolved question:
Hello,

I am a male college student who is 20 years old and generally healthy. I live in a single dorm room. I have gotten quite a few of (what I think are) bug bites these past few days. I noticed them last Thursday. I don't remember seeing any bugs on me so I could have gotten them while I was sleeping. They are quite small raised red bumps that are occasionally itchy. They are located on my arms, legs, a few on the back and hand. I initially thought they were bed bug bites, but they did a brief inspection of my room and couldn't find any (though I wouldn't rule them out as a possibility). The nurse practitioner at my school wasn't even sure they were bug bites though I don't see how they can be anything else. I am attaching some pictures of them. I don't seem to have any other symptoms (e.g. no fever). What do you think they are and should I have them checked out by a dermatologist?

Thanks

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Dermatologist

Expert:  Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar replied 4 Days.

Hello,
Thank you for your medical query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
I reviewed the images, they do look like an urticarial reaction which could be secondary to some bug bite or some other insect bite. It is a common problem in the dorms.
It could be bed bug bites. I would also suspect scabies. i would like to know:-
1. Is there increased itching at night?
2. Any family history of itching?
3. Any itching on the genital area or buttocks?
I would recommend that you take tab. claritin 10 mg once at night in case of itching.
you can apply cortisone cream mixed with mupirocin cream twice a day for two weeks.
But I would like to know the cause in order to treat it thoroughly.
Please let me know if you have any queries.
Take care

Hope this was helpful,
Regards.

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