Could this be a bat-related bite?
Apologies for the unclear photo, but it's the best I could manage. (18M) A few nights ago, I was out for about an hour wearing slippers, and when I returned, I discovered some strange red welts on my foot and ankle. There are four bumps altogether, two of which are in pairs as illustrated. I reside in the Seattle area. At the moment, I am not experiencing any discomfort, and I don’t specifically remember any contact with the ground, although it’s possible I might have overlooked something. Lately, I find myself feeling anxious about the risk of rabies due to this situation.
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 6:20:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about potential rabies exposure, especially with concerns involving animals like bats. However, the likelihood of rabies from superficial skin welts is generally quite low unless you have had direct contact with a bat or a bat bite. Let's break this down more clearly.
Key Points:
- Appearance of Bumps: The red welts may be due to insect bites, allergic reactions, or minor skin irritations rather than a bite from a bat.
- Rabies Risk: Rabies transmission typically requires a bite or scratch from an infected animal, particularly when saliva enters a wound. It’s rare to contract rabies through indirect contact.
Explanation:
The red bumps you're seeing could result from various causes such as:
- Insect bites: Common if you were outdoors, especially in warmer months.
- Allergic reactions: Possible if you came into contact with certain plants or materials.
- Contact dermatitis: Could occur if your skin reacted to something you touched or came into contact with during your walk.
Given that you’re not experiencing any pain or unusual symptoms, this could just be a minor skin issue.
Next Steps:
- Observe the Bumps: Monitor the welts over the next few days. Look for changes in size, color, or the development of any symptoms (such as itching, pain, or swelling).
- Skincare: You can apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to alleviate irritation and decrease redness if they are bothersome. Keeping the area clean and dry is also important.
- Documentation: Take a photo of the welts if they change, and keep track of any new symptoms that develop.
- Reduce Anxiety: If you remain concerned about rabies or if the bumps worsen, consider reaching out for advice, but understand that the risk is low without direct contact.
Feel free to share updates about how the welts are evolving or if new symptoms develop, as this can help clarify the situation further.
Related Questions
Rigid Bump Behind Ear Cartilage
I’m a 29-year-old female, and I don’t smoke or consume alcohol. My medical history is quite unremarkable, and there’s nothing significant in my family background either. Recently, I’ve discovered a hard lump positioned just behind my ear. I only notice it when I bend my ear, specifically at the cartilage area that connects to my head. It’s located at the fold and although it causes some discomfort, I would rate the pain as very mild, about a 1 on a scale of 10. This bump came to my attention around four days ago; it feels somewhat similar to bone or cartilage. As of now, I’m not experiencing any additional symptoms. Any thoughts on what this might be?
Seeking Insight on Health Concerns and Whether Medical Attention is Necessary
I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, and I want to share some health concerns that have been troubling me, particularly given my family’s medical history. My mother’s side has dealt with various issues including low iron levels, autoimmune disorders (like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, both classical and vascular types. In contrast, my father’s family has mostly experienced blood pressure difficulties and celiac disease, though not to the same extent as my mother’s side. I’ve given a brief overview of my family background, and I can provide more details if necessary; however, I’m uncertain about what other information might be relevant. Recently, I have been experiencing a series of unusual symptoms. One of the most alarming occurrences is that when I stand up, my vision sometimes darkens momentarily—this can last for several seconds or, at times, a little longer (though I can't measure it precisely, it definitely resolves in under a minute). This phenomenon has been going on for what feels like approximately three years, and it seems to happen more frequently now, occasionally up to several times a day. Additionally, I struggle to remain standing still for long durations before feeling dizzy and having trouble with my breathing, a problem I’ve faced for years. For clarity, I am not significantly overweight; I maintain a healthy weight for my height and even lift weights at the gym 2 to 3 times a week. On school days, I typically walk over 4 miles. I usually stay hydrated, although I sometimes neglect my water intake when I’m visiting others. Chronic fatigue has been a constant in my life; I generally sleep between 7 to 8 hours each night, often accompanied by a nap lasting an hour or two. While my family’s diet isn't the healthiest, it includes vegetables, and despite having experienced minor eating disorders in the past, I currently manage to eat at least two meals daily, sometimes more. I don’t believe my symptoms stem purely from my lifestyle choices. I tend to bruise easily, with some bruises appearing mysteriously and lasting longer than expected. Friends have even asked if I suffer abuse due to the number of bruises on my legs, but I assure you, I don’t engage in any sports that could cause this. Additionally, I experience daily nausea that can intensify to the point of almost vomiting. Dizziness is a regular issue for me now, though I recall it being much harder to induce in my childhood when I would spin around just to show I wouldn't get dizzy. There was one day when dizziness overwhelmed me so much that I had to leave school. Despite eating and drinking water, it persisted throughout the day, leading my friends to question if I was intoxicated due to my slurred speech and unstable posture. Curiously, that day coincided with my menstrual cycle, which I typically don’t notice affecting me this way. I abstain from alcohol, smoking, or any illicit drug use. I know there are more symptoms, but I can't recall them at the moment. I’m reaching out to see if anyone might have insight into what could potentially be going on with my health. Should I consider visiting a doctor? I’m open to providing additional information if needed. Thank you for reading through this long message!
Help with Understanding My Lab Results
Greetings! I underwent a laboratory examination last month, and the findings have raised some questions for me. I would greatly appreciate assistance in deciphering my results. My details: - F33 - Weight: 278 lbs - Height: 5'5" I have been diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD, and I’m collaborating with a nutritionist to address binge eating disorder. Here are some updates since my test: - I've successfully shed 5 pounds. - I have eliminated soda from my diet. - With the guidance of my nutritionist, I am now following a more nutritious eating plan. I've included all the relevant lab information, not just the abnormal findings, as I’m uncertain about what details might be significant. There are four posts within a single comment thread that I’ve contributed. Thank you for your assistance!
Understanding Paroxetine Interactions with Diet
Greetings! I'd like to share my experience regarding the combination of paroxetine and diet. For the past two months, I've been using daparox (a form of paroxetine) in liquid form while adhering to a well-rounded Mediterranean diet rich in local, natural, and organic ingredients. At 22 years old, I consider myself in good health and have not encountered any significant issues with the antidepressant, nor have I had any concerns about its interaction with various substances, as I abstain from alcohol and smoking. The only sulfite-containing item I use is wine vinegar, and I do so sparingly. Recently, I’ve found myself enjoying ripe grapefruit, especially when paired with brown sugar. However, I've noticed some adverse effects, likely due to paroxetine's metabolic interactions with this fruit. It's worth mentioning that no healthcare professionals informed me about the need to avoid grapefruits. As I’ve ceased eating them, I am now concerned about whether this could have repercussions for my health. Additionally, I would like to know if there are other foods that I should steer clear of while on this medication.
Frustrations with Seeking Medical Testing
M/27, 5'8, 175 lbs, non-smoker, residing in the UK. For several years, I have been grappling with persistent symptoms that can be categorized as fatigue and various unusual sensations, such as tingling in different areas of my body. These occur even when I get a reasonable amount of rest, and at times when I shouldn’t feel tired at all. Considering my symptoms along with my family history—having relatives who suffered from severe multiple sclerosis (MS), including an uncle who passed away due to it long before I was born—I’ve been wanting to undergo testing for both MS and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). I suspect I contracted EBV some time ago, and I've read that there may be a connection between this virus and MS. Given that testing for MS can be rather complicated, I opted to start with an EBV test, which is a straightforward blood examination. After doing my homework regarding potential antibody types detectable following an initial infection, I discovered that two key antibodies, EBNA IgG and VCA IgG, could indicate prior EBV infection status. It’s worth noting that during my childhood, I frequently fell ill, sometimes 5-6 times annually; hence, if I did contract EBV, it likely happened long ago. Eventually, resigning to the fact that I needed to consult a medical professional—after numerous visits where my concerns were disregarded—I approached a pathologist to request the blood tests. Upon presenting my specific requests, described by him as “extremely specialized,” he bluntly refused to conduct the tests, suggesting that I should “read less online.” Leaving his office, I was left questioning whether my request was truly unreasonable. It baffles me why he deemed a simple blood test too much to handle. For context, I understand that a significant portion of the population, around 90%, has EBV. This widespread prevalence should not render requesting a blood test peculiar, especially as knowledge about one’s health is important. Additionally, I had experienced multiple illnesses this year; another doctor implied I might be infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV), but again, failed to order any diagnostic testing. Now, I find myself at a crossroads. I am eager to take this test, as it holds significant importance to me, and I feel rather obsessive over it. Although I typically do not seek medical attention often, my physical condition has deteriorated over the past few years, prompting me to seek answers. However, if consulting doctors results in being dismissed for merely inquiring about a medical test, perhaps I should resign myself to living without concern for any potential health issues, be they genetic or otherwise. What’s your perspective on this situation?