Bed Bug Bits Case Study

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Bed Bug Bites A 33 year old male arrives to the 7th Group Troop Medical Clinic (TMC) complaining of several, small sores on the left arm for two days. Patient states they are annoying due to the urge to itch them, but otherwise not painful. Patient noticed them while returning from a one week, temporary duty assignment at Fort Bragg, NC. Skin lesions are often difficult to assess only by visual inspection. Diagnostic testing, a history related to chief complaint and a provider’s experience may all be necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis. Diagnostic testing for presentations similar to this are not common, unless the lesion becomes persistent or reoccurring. In this case, the primary provider had the experience to ascertain the cause. The student could only categorize it as a skin lesion from possible …show more content…

It is believed that is not the case with this patient. Other differential diagnoses can include nummular dermatitis, secondary to another insect or skin injury, and allergic contact dermatitis. The likelihood of the chief complaint being secondary to bites of another type of insect is highly-probable, but the patient denies remembering an occurrence when he received several insect bites on his forearm. The likelihood of allergic contact dermatitis is probable, but the pattern of round macules is more consistent with bed bug bites than an allergic reaction. If the chief complaint becomes persistent, patient can request a follow-up for additional evaluation. Since this case is not severe, treatment plan will consist of keeping the infected area clean with soap and water. Hydrocortisone 1% will relieve pruritus and inflammation (Schissel, 2001). If condition does not improve in five days, conduct follow-up at the TMC. The bites should heal over the next several

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