Treatment for swollen and stiff neck after bug bites

Condition analysis:
Thanks for your query. It seems from your history is that what you are referring to as bug ibites might be Herpes Zoster. Hepes Zoster manifests as multiple fluid filled tiny lesions in a classic dermatomal pattern i.e they are localised to an area and never cross midline of the body.

In your case as you suggested that they are only on left side- neck, shoulder and back so they can be herpes zoster. HZ is accompanied with pain and burning sensation. The lesions slowly gets crusted but pain might remain.

To prevent infection a course of oral antibiotics and topical antibiotic cream should also be given- both in case of herpes as well as bug bites. If you can send a photograph with all the lesions in a single frame, I can comment on exact diagnosis.

You need to treated with Acyclovir if the condition is herpes zoster- it again being a non harmful acute condition with no serious complications. Hope you have got a detailed reply to your query. Please accept my answer if satisfied.

Instructions:
1) Zinc:
Choose a multivitamin that offers zinc to treat symptoms of shingles and boost your immune system.

2) Ice:
Treat the pain left behind by healed shingles blisters with a plastic bag filled with ice cubes. Use a vigorous motion to stroke the skin. This method is actually used to ‘confuse’ the nerves.

3) Calamine Lotion:
Combating mosquito bites isn’t the only thing calamine lotion is good for. You can create a home remedy for shingles by adding 20% isopropyl alcohol and 1% each of phenol and menthol. If you find the phenol too strong or the menthol too cool, add equal parts of water to dilute. To enhance the healing process, apply this remedy to shingles blisters until they have dried out and formed a scab.