How do bedbug bites differ from other insect bites. What are the key characteristics of bedbug bites. Can bedbug bites be mistaken for other skin conditions. How can you confirm a bedbug infestation in your home. What steps should you take if you suspect bedbug bites.

Understanding Bedbug Infestations: Prevalence and Habitat

Bedbug infestations have become increasingly common in recent years, with an estimated one in five Americans having experienced an infestation or knowing someone who has. Despite their name, bedbugs are not confined to beds alone. These persistent pests can be found in various household furnishings, including sofas, chair cushions, and furniture crevices.

Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown insects with flat, oval-shaped bodies. They typically measure about a quarter-inch in length, possess six legs, and lack visible wings. Of the more than 90 known species of bedbugs, only two commonly bite humans.

Identifying Bedbug Bites: Key Characteristics and Patterns

Bedbug bites can be challenging to identify, as they often resemble other insect bites or skin conditions. However, there are several distinguishing features that can help you recognize bedbug bites:

• Size: Bedbug bites are typically smaller than a quarter-inch across
• Appearance: On light skin, bites appear red; on dark skin, they may look faint-pink or purplish, turning deep brown over time
• Itchiness: Bites are usually very itchy
• Pattern: Bites often appear in a line or zigzag pattern, sometimes referred to as the “breakfast, lunch, dinner” pattern
• Location: Bites commonly occur on exposed areas during sleep, such as the face, neck, arms, hands, and feet

In some cases, bedbug bites can develop into large weals – itchy, fluid-filled bumps that may exceed 2 inches in size.

Differentiating Bedbug Bites from Other Insect Bites

To accurately identify bedbug bites, it’s crucial to understand how they differ from other common insect bites. Let’s examine some nocturnal insects whose bites might be confused with those of bedbugs:

Spider Bites

While spider bites during sleep are relatively uncommon, they can occur. Spider bites typically differ from bedbug bites in the following ways:

• Isolation: Spider bites are usually isolated, while bedbug bites often appear in clusters
• Symptoms: Spider bites may cause swelling, redness, itchiness, and in some cases, blistering
• Venom: Most spider bites involve venom, which can cause additional systemic symptoms in some cases

Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites can be easily mistaken for bedbug bites, but there are key differences:

• Size: Mosquito bites are generally larger than bedbug bites
• Pattern: Mosquito bites typically appear in a random pattern, unlike the linear or zigzag pattern of bedbug bites
• Appearance: Mosquito bites often resemble raised, itchy welts that look like pimples

Mite Bites

Mites are microscopic creatures that can cause skin irritation. Their bites differ from bedbug bites in several ways:

• Size: Mite bites are extremely small and often don’t create a noticeable puncture
• Appearance: Mite bites typically cause a rash with hard or inflamed bumps
• Color: On light skin, mite bites appear red; on dark skin, they may be dark purple or brown

Flea Bites

Flea bites are often confused with bedbug bites due to their similar appearance. However, there are some distinguishing factors:

• Location: Flea bites tend to concentrate on the lower body, particularly the feet, ankles, and lower legs
• Pattern: While flea bites can appear in lines or clusters like bedbug bites, they’re more commonly found on the lower extremities
• Association with pets: Flea bites are more common in households with pets

Bedbug Bites vs. Other Skin Conditions

In some cases, bedbug bites may be mistaken for other skin conditions. It’s important to consider alternative diagnoses, such as:

• Hives: These raised, itchy welts can resemble bedbug bites but often appear and disappear more rapidly
• Fungal infections: Certain fungal skin infections may cause red, itchy patches that could be confused with bedbug bites
• Allergic reactions: Some allergic skin reactions can produce symptoms similar to bedbug bites

If you’re unsure about the cause of your skin symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional can help rule out these conditions and provide an accurate diagnosis.

Confirming a Bedbug Infestation: Signs to Look For

While identifying bedbug bites can be challenging, confirming an infestation in your home is crucial for effective treatment. Here are some signs that may indicate a bedbug presence:

• Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses, caused by crushed bedbugs
• Dark spots (about the size of a period) on fabrics, which are bedbug excrement
• Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale yellow
• Live bedbugs in the folds of mattresses, bed frames, and other furniture
• A sweet, musty odor produced by the bugs’ scent glands

Thoroughly inspecting your sleeping area and surrounding furniture can help you detect these signs and confirm a bedbug infestation.

Treatment and Prevention of Bedbug Bites

If you’ve identified bedbug bites, taking prompt action is essential. Here are some steps to treat the bites and prevent further infestation:

1. Clean the bite areas with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection
2. Apply an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream to relieve itching
3. Take oral antihistamines if itching is severe
4. Avoid scratching the bites to prevent secondary infections
5. Wash all bedding, clothing, and fabrics in hot water and dry on high heat
6. Vacuum your mattress, bed frame, and surrounding areas thoroughly
7. Consider using bedbug-proof mattress and pillow encasements
8. Consult a professional pest control service for comprehensive treatment of your home

Remember, eliminating a bedbug infestation often requires a multi-faceted approach and may take several weeks to fully resolve.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bedbug Bites

While bedbug bites are generally not harmful, there are instances where medical attention may be necessary. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• You develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as severe swelling or difficulty breathing
• The bites become infected, indicated by increasing pain, swelling, and pus
• You experience a severe skin reaction or widespread rash
• Bite symptoms persist or worsen despite home treatment
• You’re unsure about the cause of your symptoms and need a professional diagnosis

A healthcare provider can offer appropriate treatment and help rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.

Long-term Strategies for Bedbug Prevention

Preventing future bedbug infestations is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment. Consider implementing these long-term strategies:

• Regularly inspect your home, especially after traveling or acquiring second-hand furniture
• Use protective covers on mattresses and box springs to eliminate hiding spots
• Reduce clutter in your home to minimize potential bedbug habitats
• Be cautious when using shared laundry facilities, as bedbugs can spread through contaminated linens
• When traveling, inspect hotel rooms and keep luggage elevated and away from beds and furniture
• Consider using bedbug interceptors under bed legs to catch and monitor for bedbugs
• Educate yourself and your family about bedbug prevention and early detection methods

By remaining vigilant and implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of future bedbug infestations in your home.

Dealing with bedbug bites and infestations can be challenging, but with proper identification, treatment, and prevention strategies, you can effectively manage and eliminate these persistent pests. Remember that early detection and prompt action are key to preventing widespread infestations and minimizing the impact on your health and well-being.

How to Identify Bedbug Bites

Painful or itchy marks on your skin may be bug bites, but you could also have a rash or other skin condition. If you’re concerned about bedbugs, you can check your bed and bedding for signs of these insects or connect with a doctor who can make a diagnosis.

It’s estimated that one out of five Americans has had a bedbug infestation or knows somebody who has.

Despite the name, bedbugs aren’t only found in beds. They’re also commonly found in sofas, chair cushions, and furniture crevices.

If you’ve been finding red and itchy spots on your skin, you may be worried you’re dealing with bedbugs.

However, unless you find evidence of the insects in your home, the bites can be difficult to identify. They can resemble other insect bites or several skin conditions.

There’s no test that can specifically diagnosis a bedbug bite, but a doctor may be able to help you identify them by ruling out other conditions like hives or a fungal infection.

Keep reading to learn how to identify a bedbug bite and how to tell them apart from other insect bites and skin conditions.

A note on skin color

Bug bites and rashes can look different on different types of skin. Generally speaking, they are pink or purple on dark skin, and red on light skin.

Was this helpful?

There are more than 90 types of bedbugs, but only two species commonly bite humans.

Most bedbugs are reddish-brown with a flat, oval-shaped body. They’re usually about a quarter-inch long, have six legs, and don’t have visible wings.

Identifying bed bug bites on humans

Share on PinterestBedbug bites generally run in a line on exposed parts of the body, such as the face, arms, hands, or neck. Getty Images.

Bedbug bites tend to look similar to other insect bites. The bites are very itchy, and smaller than a quarter-inch across. In white skin, the bites usually appear red. On dark skin, they can look faint-pink or purplish, and turn deep brown the longer they remain on the skin.

However, they can also develop into large weals (itchy, fluid-filled bumps) that can be larger than 2 inches.

Bedbug bites typically occur on parts of your body that are exposed while you sleep, such as your:

• face
• neck
• arms
• hands
• feet

Bite marks often appear in the “breakfast, lunch, dinner” pattern — a line or zigzag of three or more bites.

Bedbug bites can closely resemble several other types of bug bites. The following bugs are known to be active at night.

Spiders

Share on PinterestA brown widow spider bite can look similar to other spider bites, with the local skin reaction usually limited to redness and swelling. Systemic symptoms are often noticeable and can include muscle spasms, nausea, and headache, among others. Photo: http://wolfspiderpictures.org

Many types of spiders are more active at night than during the day. Getting bitten by a spider in your sleep is fairly uncommon. Spiders generally only bite when they feel threatened.

Most types of spiders have toxic venom. The majority of spiders don’t have strong enough venom to cause serious harm to humans and only cause minor injury.

Spider bites may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling
• red or purplish welts
• itchiness
• rash
• blistering

Unlike bedbugs, spiders don’t feed on blood. Spider bites are more likely to be isolated while bedbug bites are often clustered together.

Mosquitos

Share on PinterestMosquito bites cause raised, itchy welts. They typically don’t appear in a line or pattern. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Mosquitos use their long tube-like mouth to penetrate your skin. Many types of mosquitos are more active at dusk and night than during the day.

Although mosquito bites usually aren’t serious, mosquitos can carry deadly diseases like:

• malaria
• West Nile virus
• dengue fever

Mosquito bites leave an itchy welt that looks like a pimple. It usually goes away in a few days.

Although mosquito and bedbug bites can look similar, mosquito bites are more likely to be in a random pattern and are larger in size than bedbug bites. Bedbug bites are more likely to be in a straight line or zigzag.

Mites

Share on PinterestAn oak mite bite generally doesn’t have specific traits of identification. Oak mites are microscopic, so they can’t be seen by the naked eye. Getty Images.

Mites are small insect-like critters that often live on animals like birds and rodents. Mite bite symptoms can vary but generally include:

• a rash
• hard or inflamed bumps that are red on light skin or dark purple or brown on dark skin.
• itchiness
• swollen skin

Mite bites are very small and don’t create a noticeable puncture like most other types of bug bites.

Fleas

Share on PinterestFlea bites tend to occur on the feet, ankles, or lower leg. Source: Getty Images.

Your chances of getting bit by a flea are greater if you have pets or if you sleep with your pets in the bed.

People often mistake flea bites for bedbug bites. Both types of bites are usually itchy and are found in lines or clusters. Fleas typically target your:

• feet
• legs
• armpits
• elbows
• knees

If you notice bites on your upper body or around your face, they’re more likely to be bedbug bites.

Some common insects that bite people include:

• Lice. These insects typically live on the hair on your head and bite your scalp. Symptoms of lice bites include extreme itchiness and the presence of sores.
• Scabies. These are a small type of mite that spread by sharing clothing or bedding. Scabies generally cause a rash and intense itching that gets worse in the evening.
• Ticks. Ticks tend to bite warm and moist parts of your body like your armpits or groin. Ticks can remain on your skin for more than a week after biting.
• Chiggers. Chiggers are members of the arachnid family. They live in tall weeds and grass, berry patches, and wooded areas. Only the larvae bite humans. They tend to choose warm, moist areas of the body. When the chigger falls off, you are left with bumps that appear reddish on light skin and pink or purple on dark skin. You may notice a bright red dot in the center. The bumps may look like welts, blisters, pimples, or hives.

Several types of skin conditions can resemble bedbug bites.

Hives

Hives are red bumps or welts that form on your skin due to an allergic reaction. The bumps are usually raised and extremely itchy. They can be red or skin-colored.

If the marks on your skin get larger or spread to another part of your body quickly, they may be hives.

Fungal infection

Fungal infections usually target the moist parts of the body like:

• your feet
• your genitals
• under your breasts

Having a fungal infection can cause an allergic reaction that leads to an itchy and bumpy rash on another part of your body.

Miliaria

Miliaria, more commonly known as heat rash, is a common skin condition caused by inflammation or blockage of a sweat duct.

It’s most common in newborn babies and people living in hot, tropical climates. Symptoms can vary but often include red, itchy bumps.

Dermatitis herpetiformis

Dermatitis hepetiformis is a rare autoimmune skin condition. It causes the formation of itchy blisters and redness on light skin, and purplish coloring on dark skin.

The majority of people with dermatitis also have celiac disease.

The condition is most common on your:

• knees
• elbows
• buttocks
• scalp
• lower back

The easiest way to know that your bites are from bedbugs is to find evidence of them in your home. Signs of bedbugs include:

• reddish or rust-colored stains on your sheets or mattress from crushed bugs
• tiny dark spots from bug feces
• specks of blood on your bed or upholstery
• finding eggs that are about 1 millimeter in size

Where bedbugs hide

Bedbugs are most active at night when they feed. During the day, they like to hide in tight crevices. Some places they commonly hide include:

• in seams of chairs and couches
• between cushions and in the folds of curtains
• around the edges of drawers
• in electrical outlets
• under loose wallpaper
• at the corner of the wall and ceiling
• in small cracks in your bed or furniture

When to call a doctor

If you noticed your bites after traveling, it might not be possible to search for bedbugs. In this case, you may want to call a doctor. A doctor may be able to identify bites visually or rule out other potential skin conditions.

It’s also a good idea to contact a doctor if:

• you develop a fever
• your bites become swollen
• your bites blister over

Bedbugs bites can look similar to other insect bites or skin conditions. The best way to know if you’re dealing with bedbugs is to look for evidence of the bugs in your home.

If you think your bites may be from bedbugs, but you can’t find any evidence of them in your home, you may want to see a doctor.

I Have Bites—But No Signs of Bugs in My Home. What’s Happening?

Photo: istockphoto.com

A: Bug bites and rashes of any kind are no fun, and sometimes they’re even harmful to your health if you end up with an allergic reaction. Most bug bites that blister are easier to identify, but some could almost look like a rash. Household insects are adept at hiding invisibly sometimes, making it frustrating to determine precisely what kind of bug is biting you. Common insect bites or stings come from bugs like chiggers, bees, spiders, fleas, bed bugs, mosquitoes, kissing bugs, and more. In most cases, bug bites are not deadly to humans, but some bites can cause long-term illnesses, extreme discomfort, or allergic reactions that may require a doctor visit. If your bug bite rash almost looks like hives, it’s likely that the culprit is bed bugs. These insects can be hard to spot since they are tiny and hide in itty-bitty cracks and crevices. Here, we’ll break down what could be causing your itchy woes.

Think bugs are the source of your bites?

A pro can confirm. Get free, no-commitment estimates from top-rated exterminators near you.

Find a Pro

+

Closely inspect your home for the presence of bed bugs.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Bed bug bites can show up the next day or even up to 2 weeks later, though you’ll usually see them within 3 days. You’ll see straight lines of red bites, usually in clusters of three or more. These raised bites become itchy and inflamed for several days due to a mild allergic reaction from the bugs’ saliva that’s left behind. If you’ve compared your bites to bed bug bites images and they seem like a match, then you need to find out where the nasty culprits are hiding. Using a bright light and perhaps even a magnifying glass will help you spot these tiny reddish-brown bugs.

Despite the name, bed bugs don’t necessarily only live in beds. They can be found in the holes of a power outlet, a chair or couch, cracks in a wall or baseboard, or dressers where there are a lot of nooks and crannies for tiny insects to hide. Any small space where a bed bug could find shelter can be a hiding place—even behind the head of a screw.

The easiest way to identify the presence of bed bugs in your bed is to look for the telltale trails they often leave behind on your sheets or mattress. Inspect your sheets and along the edges of your mattress carefully to see if there are almost microscopic black trails of feces or faint red dots. These red dots are blood, and they can be larger dots if you happen to roll over a well-fed bed bug in the night and squish it. If you were bitten on your face, neck, arms, hands, or feet, then check those corresponding areas of the bed for signs of feces or blood.

Next, you’ll need to inspect the edges of your mattress where the seams are. It’s the perfect place for bed bugs or their tiny white eggs to hide. Make sure to have a bright light on as you work. They also prefer to live under the mattress or in the box spring. Inspect all the edges thoroughly to find where they’re hiding.

It’s possible to miss where bed bugs are hiding on your bed, but an infestation around an outlet or along a baseboard may be easier to spot. However, if you aren’t successful at a visual inspection, you can try using interception devices specifically made to catch bed bugs or other bugs attracted to your bed. Simply place them right under the legs, bed, or chair where you’re trying to catch the bugs. Once the bugs fall in, they can’t get out, and you’ll be able to identify where the primary infestation is likely located.

Another somewhat effective option is using a standard insect glue trap in the area you suspect is infested. When the bugs walk on it, they’ll be trapped so you can identify them. Alternatively, you can use a mattress encasement that’s specifically made to either trap existing bugs inside or make it easier to identify them when they’ve crawled on it. They’re an effective prevention and detection method.

The most convenient method is to hire a pest control professional to come to your house and inspect your bedroom for signs of any insect infestation. Make sure the company lists bed bugs as one of its specialties. They’ll know exactly how to find a nest of bed bugs and eliminate them, and they might even help identify the kind of bug bites you have.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Other biting insects could be hiding in your home.

Bed bugs aren’t the only things that bite humans. Part of bug bite identification is knowing which insects live in your region. This is helpful for detecting a spider bite rash or identifying chigger bites (chiggers are another form of mites). Looking up bug bite pictures on the internet can help you compare against your bites. Here are many of the most common biting insects that could also be the culprit if you don’t think it’s bed bugs.

Think bugs are the source of your bites?

A pro can confirm. Get free, no-commitment estimates from top-rated exterminators near you.

Find a Pro

+

• Chiggers or mites also leave severely itchy welts that can look like a rash without a distinct pattern. A female chigger could also lay eggs in the skin, which can lead to a scabies infection. Chiggers and mites are more common in the southern, southeastern, and midwestern U.S., where the weather is more humid and warm.
• Black widow spiders can be found almost anywhere, but especially in the western and southern United States. These are considered some of the most venomous spiders, yet they are rarely lethal to humans. A bite from a black widow has two puncture wounds, as opposed to the usual one puncture, and it’s immediately painful, becoming worse later on. Severe reactions may include difficulty breathing, excessive sweating, muscle rigidity, and severe abdominal cramping. In this case, seek medical assistance, but for children or the elderly, seek medical assistance as soon as a bite is detected.
• Mosquito bites are common in most areas of the country. They rarely occur in a pattern, but they are also itchy and red or pink with a small or large bump. Most bites aren’t serious unless an allergic reaction occurs or if the mosquito carries a disease such as Zika, West Nile virus, malaria, or eastern equine encephalitis.
• Brown recluse spider bites are usually a sharp sting that becomes painful later on. The bite area will start to look bruised before becoming crusty and dark. It’s imperative that a suspected brown recluse bite gets medical attention, as it could lead to serious health problems like kidney failure and coma. Brown recluse spiders are usually found in midwestern and southern states.
• Ticks are known to bite and burrow their heads into the skin. Removing them completely can be challenging and is best done by a medical professional. These insects often carry Lyme disease, which can become a debilitating illness. A sure sign of a tick bite is a bull’s-eye ring around a red, inflamed bump. Ticks can be found in most areas of the country, but especially the southern and eastern regions.
• Kissing bugs, or assassin bugs, are also known to leave red, infected bites. Most often, these bites occur on a person’s face. Occasionally, an infected bite from the insect’s feces can result in Chagas disease, which feels like a severe flu. In about 30 percent of these cases, people have been known to develop heart problems later on.
• Fleas can bite humans and leave tiny red bumps in clusters of three or four—not in a line like bed bugs. These bites usually occur around feet, ankles, armpits, waist, or in the bends of elbows or knees. Cases of the plague are rare after being bitten by fleas, but fleas can cause irritating skin rashes.
• Bee stings are sharp when they happen, but they fade to a dull ache. The affected area will feel hot and itchy and look red with a white ring around it. The biggest concern with bee stings is that many people (and animals) have a severe allergic reaction. The area might swell severely, or it could cause anaphylactic shock. Hornet stings are similar to bee stings. Wasps are also known to bite humans. It’s a painful sting at first that lingers as a dull ache, but the same concerns for an allergic reaction exist. Seek medical attention immediately if an allergic reaction occurs.
• Deerflies or horseflies usually pay more attention to their namesakes for sustenance, but they are known to bite humans as well. Bites are intensely sharp and painful when they happen, and they can cause bleeding, swelling, or an allergic reaction. Black flies might also bite humans around the eyes, ears, and scalp, leaving a numbness, swelling, or soreness for a few days. These flies don’t generally carry diseases, but it’s still wise to use bug repellent or wear long clothing in an infested area.
• There are many species of ants, and some of them are venomous. Carpenter ants spit formic acid into a bite, causing an intense burning sensation. Fire ants are one of the most common venomous ants. They will bite, hold on, and sting, which makes a burning, stinging sensation. If fire ants bite you, the bites will probably show up a day or two later as white, fluid-filled pustules that could also be red and itchy. It’s important not to scratch one of these pustules to bursting, as this significantly increases the risk of infection.
• Scorpions are considered an arachnid, like spiders. These larger pests can pose serious health risks as well if the sting causes an allergic reaction. When a scorpion attacks, its stinger injects poison, causing an intense burning pain that spreads. If you’ve been stung by a scorpion and begin to experience vision or muscle control problems, seek medical attention immediately. Scorpions are typically found in the southwest deserts and even up to some midwestern states.

Think bugs are the source of your bites?

A pro can confirm. Get free, no-commitment estimates from top-rated exterminators near you.

Find a Pro

+

Household products or environmental irritants could cause hives or rashes.

If no pests can be found and the irritation doesn’t seem to match any of the most common bug bite pictures, you may be experiencing a skin reaction to a household product or environmental irritant. Consider the location of the rash. If it’s on the hands and arms, think about what you’ve come in contact with recently. Perhaps a new task at work puts you in contact with a new cleaning supply, chemical, or other substance. A laundry detergent or soap could cause irritations where clothing fits snugly. Other common irritants could be cosmetics, hair products, perfume, paper, fire-retardant clothing, or animals.

The cause could also be environmental, which means things that come in contact with you passively. People who work near the fine fibers and dust made around shredded paper or cardboard can develop skin irritations as the fibers adhere to the skin and cause a prickling sensation that develops into a rash. Old drapes can also release fabric fibers that do the same thing. Additionally, fibers from ceiling tiles or insulation can get circulated around, especially during construction. Some air pollutants can also cause a rash, though headaches and throat irritation are more common. Examples of air pollutants can include ammonia-based cleaners, tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, and other chemicals.

A trip to a dermatologist or industrial hygienist can help identify what’s causing the problem if you’ve ruled out bug bites. The sooner you book an appointment, the sooner you can identify a way to treat the existing irritations and prevent future ones.

Certain medical conditions could be causing skin conditions that resemble bites.

It’s possible that the skin irritation isn’t a bug bite at all. There are several other causes of irritated skin that could be the problem. Hives are usually the reason for an unexplained rash of red or purple itchy bumps that resemble mosquito bites. If you push on these bumps, they typically turn white. Hives are a common occurrence that can happen as a reaction to allergies like seafood, nuts, insects, pollen, latex, or even some medications. You’ll need to visit a dermatologist to determine if the bumps are hives or not and whether you need medications stronger than over-the-counter drugs.

Similar to hives, the bumps could be caused by contact dermatitis, which is basically a skin reaction to coming into contact with something you’re allergic to. Reactions show up in 1 to 2 days and can last 2 to 3 weeks. Otherwise, the culprit could be eczema, which causes itchy, red skin that can form bumps. Over time, skin becomes dry, thick, and flaky and might even change color. Scratching eczema makes it worse, so you’ll need to speak with a dermatologist to determine the best course of action for relief.

Stress has also been known to induce the need to scratch intensely, just as some diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems. Severe itching in a late-term pregnancy is also common, though it sometimes reflects a different condition called cholestasis that needs immediate attention as well.

Fungal infections can occur in areas where the skin is constantly moist, but they can show up in other areas of the body, too. Heat rashes have also been known to cause a rash of itchy, red bumps. If you’re still unsure as to what exactly is happening on your skin, it’s always a good idea to head to a doctor or dermatologist to rule out several possibilities and narrow down solutions.

Photo: istockphoto.com

If the swelling or redness worsens 24 to 72 hours after you notice the bite, seek medical attention.

When most bites or rashes occur initially, they aren’t terribly severe—though they can be extremely uncomfortable. And in some cases, bites and rashes do appear red and swollen as they develop and are scratched. However, if the swelling becomes severe or the bites look extremely red, inflamed, or even full of pus, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Bugs carry all manner of bacteria and viruses, and when they bite us, they leave traces of diseases behind. When we scratch and irritate a rash or bite and break the skin, it can open us to additional infections that could become life-threatening in rare cases.

Think bugs are the source of your bites?

A pro can confirm. Get free, no-commitment estimates from top-rated exterminators near you.

Find a Pro

+

For some bites, medical attention is recommended as soon as you identify the source of the bite, whether it’s a brown recluse spider, a black widow (in the case of children and elderly), or a kissing bug. The danger of kissing bugs is the risk of Chagas disease, which can lead to heart problems down the road. Allergic reactions are the most significant sign that you need to seek immediate medical attention. These typically include difficulty breathing and swallowing, severe swelling, and even shock.

If you’re convinced that a bug is the source of your skin irritation, hire a pest control professional to inspect your home.

Bugs are tenacious and can be difficult to spot in the home when they’re nocturnal. If you’re having trouble identifying exactly what the insects are and where the insects that are plaguing you are living, your best bet is to call in a pro. Quality pest control companies are exceptionally adept at finding telltale signs and even the most obscure hiding place for insects. Even if you don’t think an insect usually bites humans, like house crickets, it’s still best to get rid of them. A widespread pesticide application doesn’t always do the trick either. You need to hire a company that specializes in a range of insect control so they can target exactly the right location and use the right pesticide to rid your house of the infestation. They’ll also be able to help you prevent further infestations to avoid future discomfort.

Pest problems?

Find licensed pest control experts in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project.

Find Pros Now

+

Allergy to insect stings

Insect sting allergy is a reaction of the human body to the saliva, venom and waste products of insects that enter the skin when bitten. As a rule, every person is familiar with a local reaction to contact with mosquitoes and wasps, but there are also acute forms of allergies that can lead to anaphylactic shock and death. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly identify an allergic reaction and take preventive measures.

Symptoms of allergy to insect stings:

• swelling and redness at the site of the sting
• itching and rash
• pain
• fever

Symptoms of an acute allergic reaction include:

• severe swelling of the throat or face
• difficulty in breathing and swallowing
• palpitations
• low blood pressure
• dizziness
• increased anxiety

Methods for diagnosing insect sting allergy

If you experience symptoms of insect sting allergy, you should consult an allergist. At the first stage, he carefully collects an anamnesis and performs a clinical examination. After the initial consultation, additional tests and analyzes may be needed. Among them:

• skin allergy tests
• tests for the detection of specific immunoglobulins to allergens
• general and biochemical blood test
• urinalysis
• ECG, spirography
• ultrasound

Treatments for insect sting allergy

In general, treatments for insect sting allergy depend on the severity of the reaction. In particular:

• in case of acute allergy and anaphylactic shock – immediate hospitalization and treatment in a hospital
• for local allergies – drugs, removal of the stinger if necessary
• allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) – as prescribed by a doctor (a course of injections with an allergen so that the immune system “gets used” and does not react so sharply)

The network of Viva clinics employs qualified allergists who are ready to consult you at a convenient time and provide an effective course of treatment if necessary.

Allergists

Units where the procedure is performed

• Vinogradarepr. V. Porika, 9a
• Clinic on Podoleul. Shchekavitskaya, 36
• Clinic on Troyeshchineul. Lavrukhina, 6
• Clinic on Lybidskaya st. Antonovicha, 155
• Clinic on Shulyavskaya st. Vadim Hetman, 1-in

Still have questions?

Make an appointment with an allergist “VIVA” clinic network (8 clinics in different districts of Kyiv, appointment and consultation with an allergist seven days a week) You can call (044) 238-20-20, (098) 238-20-20, as well as using form

Skin reactions to bedbug bites

Other related articles: therapist, bites

• “Sedentary” diseases
  

• 10 examinations
  

• COVID-19
  

• Anemia
  

• Bronchitis
  

• Bronchoscopy
  

• Types of ELI tests
  

• All about flu
  

• Hypertension
  

• Flu and SARS
  

• flu during pregnancy
  

• Diarrhea (diarrhea)
  

• iron deficiency
  

• immunity to coronavirus
  

• Nosebleeds
  

• Lungs after COVID
  

• Medical examinations
  

• Uric acid
  

• Surveys in autumn
  

• Complications after angina
  

• Pneumonia
  

• Defeat the Flu
  

• Taking antibiotics
  

• Signs of COVID-19
  

• Application of ozone
  

• Rheumatism
  

• Vaccine testing
  

• Tuberculosis
  

• Tick ​​bite
  

• Bed bug bites
  

• ferritin
  

• Chronic fatigue
  

Bed bugs painlessly bite exposed skin at night and are rarely noticed by victims. Bites usually occur on the face, neck, and hands. Skin reactions to bed bug bites vary among individuals depending on their individual response. Some people do not react, and the only sign of a bite is a small dot. It has been observed that older people are less likely to experience skin reactions than younger people.

The classic appearance of a bug bite is an erythematous papule or blister 2-5 mm in size with a central hemorrhagic puncture. Itching is common.

Some patients have asymptomatic purple spots at bite sites. Bullous reactions sometimes occur. Sometimes bed bug bites can present as papular urticaria or mimic urticaria.

Skin reactions may appear on waking or one to several days after bites. Sometimes the skin reaction appears with a delay of up to 10 days.

The linear course of bites is often indicative of bedbug bites, but is not a strictly obligatory sign.

Usually bites disappear on their own within one week

Occasionally bed bug bites can become secondarily infected, causing impetigo or cellulitis, in which case see a doctor immediately.