Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Bug Bites

SusieG
SusieG

Maybe a weird question, but do any of you RA peeps seem to have exaggerated reactions to bug bites?  A simple mosquito bite causes the area to itch (of course), but also swells, like my whole wrist, and is red and warm.  Same with tick bites.  And the reaction lasts for WEEKS!

Kimhurts
Kimhurts
Yes. I thought it was just me.
debRAinOC
debRAinOC
Yes. Mosquito bites can make my joints hurt. I figured it's because my body's immune system is activated, and as it tries to fight off a possible infection, it also attacks my joints at the same time.
nonightshades2
nonightshades2
As soon as you notice it, alcohol on it (I keep some of the little packages of swabs with me). As soon as you can, alcohol it again, then wash the area with Hibiclense (surgical soap, keep at every sink and shower), then slather on either triple antibiotic ointment. If itching persists then do it all again and slather with aloe.

Thank goodness the ticks aren't as bad down here as y'all have up yonder. Oh, go to the store and in the outdoor section get some 100% DEET spray. Don't spray your skin, instead spray the underside of your wide brim hats (the meds we take demand we protect ourselves from sun) and the tops and sides of your shoes. That'll keep lots of the little buggers from ever getting on you.
WarriorGal
WarriorGal
YES!! I think I am allergic to mosquito bites. One bite and I get similar looking "bites" or hives all over my body and have to take allergy meds. Saw several allergists a couple of years ago when I was driven crazy by it. Also dermatologists who took several skin biopsies.
They all concluded it was "idiopathic" autoimmune allergic reaction...meaning an allergy of no known cause.

Don't know if this was helpful.
SusieG
SusieG
This disease just keeps on giving...

Yes, you've all been helpful. I don't feel crazy.
smil77
smil77
I am not a member here .I was able to reply because I read this in:
POST YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN (below,in another group).

I am sorry you are experiencing more annoying health problems .
You are in my prayers .I hope you are alleviated from this .

I can relate I have a rare disease and as a result my knees kill me at times .
MarleneJ
MarleneJ
Last August, I was bitten 10 times in my stomach by? A spider? It was very painful. I thought maybe something poisonous.

It took several months, and left a huge scar when it healed! But it continued to itch. It still itches. I use cortisone cream on it.

I don't know if the RA made it worse, or if it was the bites. I just wish it would stop!
MarleneJ
MarleneJ
PS mosquitos don't bite me. I assume that is my poisonous and untasty chemically messes up blood.
nomorera
nomorera
Yes I have a worse reaction to mosquito bites and when I lived in Houston and was bit by fire ants my hands would swell so bad I couldn't close them.