[wenlock00]

More sensitive to insect bites post stem cell transplant

by wenlock00 on Thu Aug 23, 2018 4:05 am

Since my stem cell transplant nearly a year ago, I find myself very susceptible to insect bites, and the bites swell much more than previously. It has been a warm summer, with more insects around (e.g. horseflies), but I did not swell up after bites as much as I do now, with large hard lumps and occasionally hands the size of boxing gloves. Is it possible this is due to my immune system being more sensitive after the transplant?

[Steve Horwitz]

Re: More sensitive to insect bites post stem cell transplant

by Steve Horwitz on Thu Aug 23, 2018 8:45 am

I am just about 3 months post stem cell transplant and the chiggers have made a mess of me this summer. Large, very itchy bites. They go away for a bit then come back. I too have been wondering how much of this is transplant related.

Some prescription anti-itch medication from my dermatologist has helped a lot.

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: More sensitive to Insect bites post stem cell transplant

by Nancy Shamanna on Thu Aug 23, 2018 9:12 am

I have always been sensitive to mosquito and wasp bites, and so since I am now somewhat immune compromised, I wear a 'bug jacket' made of netting when I garden! This can cause great merriment to the neighbourhood children since it is a bit odd looking! And I use bug spray, too, and chamomile lotion or even antihistamines if I do get a bite.

I was gardening lately without the bug jacket. The air here is very smoky from forest fires, so I thought the insects would be deterred, but I got a spider bite! It has taken at least two weeks to heal, so I think I will go back to wearing a bug jacket for gardening!

[Bob_D]

Re: More sensitive to insect bites post stem cell transplant

by Bob_D on Thu Aug 23, 2018 1:51 pm

Hi Folks,

So far I found that the following, applied topically, helps but not 100%:

1. Rub on Benadry (diphenhydramine)
2. EMLA (lidocaine and prilocaine) cream (used with a patch or covered with a piece of Saran wrap); requires a prescription

I still need to try:

1. Calamine lotion
2. Backing soda

I’ve tried the following but without much success (not sure if the concentration is too low):

1. Medicated powder
2. Isopropyl alcohol
3. Cortisone
4. Anti-itch ointments with benzalkonium chloride

Let me know if you find something that works for you.

Bob_D