A member asked:

Not sure what insect bit me but it turned from bright red to purple "bruise-like" after a few days, its very itchy and a little swollen,what is this?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. John Michel answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Unclear: This bruise like area may be where it became a bite or blood sucking insect of some sort. The itchiness is an allergic phenomena.. The purple mark is as the area is resolving. If you have no body aches or fever then just watch. If worsens see you doctor.

Answered 5/31/2018

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Reaction to bite: You are having an allergic (inflammatory) reaction to the bite. When you were bit the insect "injected" really tiny amounts of dirt, feces, and other garbage it has landed on into you. Your body released numerous chemicals and substances to fight off those particles. One of them is histamine which is responsible for some of the redness and itching. Apply ice and take Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to help symptoms.

Answered 5/31/2018

3.7k views

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