Concerning Skin Condition While Traveling
Hello everyone, I'm a 33-year-old man visiting from the Netherlands. Currently, I’m enjoying a two-week holiday in Indonesia, and I've encountered a concerning issue that started three days ago. Initially, I had a small red spot on my finger, but that has since cleared up, leaving me with a new, much larger red area on my skin. The area has grown significantly over time, expanding from about 5 cm to approximately 15 or even 20 cm across. While I'm surrounded by mosquitoes, I've never experienced bites that resulted in such large reactions. At first, the spot was not itchy, but after one day, it began to itch. It isn't painful, but I can feel some pressure in that region. On the first and second days, the surface was smooth yet felt thick and somewhat hardened. Now, at day three, the pressure has reduced a bit, and there’s a noticeable mark in the center of the area. Additionally, I've noticed some digestive issues; I've been having diarrhea and stomach discomfort. I suspect this might be related to the drastic temperature changes I've experienced, shifting from a hot 34°C (feeling like 40°C) to a cooler range of 16-20°C. I’m currently taking several medications: Naproxen, Paracetamol, and a Ventolin inhaler for my asthma. Given the symptoms, I'm concerned this could be a severe bug bite or maybe even a tick, and I'm anxious about the possibility of Lyme disease. To treat the issue, I purchased a cream from a local pharmacy, but I'm uncertain about the quality of their recommendations. The cream is Desoximetasone 2.5 mg/g, and they also provided me with Mebhydroline napadisylate for the itching. It’s worth noting that I won’t have access to a qualified doctor for the next ten days, which would require traveling to a hospital five hours away if needed. Any insights or advice on what this might be would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 1:10:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a worrisome skin reaction and some digestive issues during your trip to Indonesia. Given the redness, swelling, itching, and your recent travel, it’s essential to pay attention to these symptoms, as they could indicate an allergic reaction, a bug bite, or even an infection.
Explanation of Your Symptoms
- Red Area on Skin: The enlarged red area could be due to an insect bite, an allergic reaction, or even a mild infection. The fact that it grew rapidly and is now itchy suggests a possibly inflammatory response.
- Digestive Issues: Diarrhea and stomach discomfort can result from changes in diet, water quality, or infections. It's common for travelers to experience gastrointestinal disturbances when visiting new places, especially in tropical climates.
Next Steps
-
Monitor the Skin Area:
- Keep it Clean: Gently wash the affected area with mild soap and water.
- Avoid Scratching: This can worsen inflammation or lead to infection.
- Continue Using the Cream: Desoximetasone is a topical corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation. Apply it as directed but only for a short period (usually reducing use after 1 week), as prolonged use can have side effects.
- Mebhydroline for Itching: This is an antihistamine that may help with the itchiness.
-
Address Digestive Issues:
- Stay Hydrated: Since you have diarrhea, it's vital to drink plenty of fluids, including oral rehydration solutions if available.
- Monitor Your Diet: Stick to bland foods (like rice, bananas, toast) until your stomach feels better. Avoid dairy, fatty, or highly spiced foods.
-
Signs to Watch For:
- If the red area continues to expand, becomes increasingly painful, or shows signs of infection (like pus), or if you develop fever, chills, or worsening digestive symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible—especially considering your location constraints.
-
Consider Mosquito Protection:
- To prevent further bites, use insect repellent containing DEET and wear long sleeves and pants during the evenings to limit exposure to mosquitoes.
While it’s natural to feel anxious, many travelers experience skin reactions that can often be managed with self-care. If you can, note any changes in your symptoms over the next few days and photograph the skin area for reference when you do get a chance to see a healthcare professional.
If you need more specific advice or a deeper understanding of your symptoms, please reach out! Safe travels and take care of yourself.
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