What are the symptoms of bed bug bites? How can you prevent getting bed bugs? What should you do if you suspect a bed bug infestation? Find all the answers in this detailed guide.

Understanding Bed Bug Bites: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Bed bug bites are a common nuisance that can cause significant discomfort for teens. These bites typically appear as itchy, red bumps that may resemble a hive or mosquito bite. Often, there is a small red dot or puncture mark in the center, indicating where the bed bug pierced the skin. In some cases, a small blister may even form in the center of the bite.

The bites are usually found on exposed skin, such as the arms, legs, and face, and are often first noticed in the morning. This is because bed bugs are nocturnal and typically feed on their hosts during the night.

To diagnose bed bug bites, it’s important to look for other signs of infestation, such as the presence of live bed bugs, their waste (which looks like dark brown flecks or coffee grounds), or even blood stains on the bedding. Close inspection of the mattress and other hiding spots may reveal the presence of these small, flat, oval-shaped, reddish-brown bugs.

The Science Behind Bed Bug Bites: Understanding the Cause

Bed bug bites are the result of the body’s reaction to the bug’s saliva. When a bed bug feeds on its host, it injects a small amount of saliva into the skin. This saliva contains compounds that help the bug feed more efficiently, but they can also trigger an allergic reaction in the host, leading to the characteristic itchy, red bumps.

Bed bugs are small, visible blood-sucking insects that are about a quarter of an inch (6 mm) in length. During the day, they hide in the corners of mattresses, bed crevices, floors, and walls. At night, they emerge from their hiding spots to feed on their human hosts for about 5 minutes.

Preventing Bed Bug Infestations: Tips for Travelers

One of the primary ways that bed bug infestations spread is through travel. More than half of bed bug infestations within homes start after recent travel. To prevent bringing bed bugs home, it’s essential to be vigilant when staying in hotels or hostels.

When checking into a hotel room, thoroughly inspect the bedding and mattress for signs of bed bugs, such as their waste or blood stains. If you find any evidence of an infestation, request a different room. Additionally, keep your luggage and clothing off the floor and on a luggage rack to minimize the risk of bringing bed bugs home.

Upon returning from a trip, it’s recommended to place all travel clothing into the clothes dryer and run it for at least 20 minutes. The heat will kill any bed bugs or their eggs that may have hitched a ride.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bed Bug Bites

Can bed bugs transmit diseases like HIV or hepatitis?
No, it is highly unlikely that bed bugs can transmit these or any other infectious diseases. There have been no reported cases of bed bugs spreading such diseases.

Do bed bugs prefer dirt and clutter?
Not necessarily. Bed bugs are attracted to the warmth of the human body, and they can thrive in both clean and cluttered environments. However, dirty and cluttered spaces provide more places for them to hide.

Are bed bugs too small to be seen?
No, adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye. They are about the size of an apple seed, measuring between 4-7 mm (approximately a quarter of an inch) in length.

Are bed bugs scared of light?
Bed bugs do prefer darkness, but keeping the lights on will not stop them from biting you. They will still come out and feed during the night, even in a well-lit room.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bed Bug Bites

In most cases, bed bug bites can be managed at home with over-the-counter treatments. However, there are certain situations when it’s advisable to seek medical attention:

• If you suspect a life-threatening allergic reaction, with symptoms like sudden trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 immediately.
• If the bite area is spreading and accompanied by a fever, contact your doctor or seek medical care.
• If the itching is severe and not relieved by steroid creams or antihistamines after 24 hours, consult your doctor.
• If a bite becomes infected, with signs like pus or increased redness, it’s time to see your doctor.
• If the bites persist for more than 7-14 days without improvement, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.

Caring for Bed Bug Bites at Home

For most bed bug bites, the following home remedies can provide relief:

1. Use a 1% hydrocortisone cream, such as Cortaid, to reduce itching. Apply it 3 times a day until the itch is gone.
2. If you don’t have a steroid cream, make a baking soda paste and apply it to the affected area.
3. Consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine to help with the itching.

It’s important to avoid scratching the bites, as this can lead to further irritation and potential infection. Remember, while bed bug bites can be unpleasant, they do not carry any infectious diseases, and you can take steps to effectively eliminate them from your home.

Conclusion

Bed bug bites can be a nuisance, but with the right knowledge and preventive measures, you can effectively manage them. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, teens can take proactive steps to protect themselves and their homes from these pesky insects. Remember, if you have any concerns or the bites persist, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

Bed Bug Bite – Pediatrician in {Cincinnati}, {OH}

Is this your child’s symptom?

• Bites from bed bugs

If NOT, try one of these:

• Insect Bite

Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites

• Usually cause itchy, red bumps in a group or line
• Often they look like a hive or mosquito bite
• Bite may have a red dot (puncture) in the center. This is where the bed bug bit through the skin.
• Occasionally, a small blister can occur in the center
• Bites are usually on exposed skin (arms, legs and face)
• Bites are usually first noted in the morning

Diagnosis of Bed Bug Bites

• Live bed bugs hide and are not usually seen. Close inspection of the mattress may find some.
• They are ¼ inch (6 mm), flat, oval shaped, reddish-brown bugs.
• Suspect bed bugs if over 3 red bumps in a row are on exposed skin. The bumps or bites are very itchy.
• Bed bug waste is found on bedding or mattress seams. It looks like dark brown flecks or coffee grounds.
• A blood stain on the sheet may sometimes be found. This is from a bug smashed after feeding.

Cause of Bed Bug Bite Reactions

• The skin bumps are the body’s reaction to the bug’s saliva.
• While the bug is sucking blood, some of its secretions get mixed in.
• Bed bugs are small visible blood-sucking bugs. They are about ¼ inch (6 mm) in length.
• During the day, bed bugs hide in the corners of mattresses. They may also be found in bed crevices, floors, and walls.
• At night, the bed bugs come out of hiding. They feed on humans for about 5 minutes.

Prevention of Getting Bed Bugs

• Over half of bed bug infestations within homes start after recent travel.
• Avoid hotels and hostels where bed bugs have been reported.
• When you check into a hotel room, look for signs of bed bugs. Look for flecks of their waste (like coffee grounds) in the bedding and mattress. If present, ask for another room.
• Keep your luggage and clothing on a luggage rack off the floor.
• When you return from a trip, place all travel clothing into the clothes dryer. Run the dryer for 20 minutes. (Reason: The heat will kill any bed bugs or their eggs that are present). One pregnant bed bug can spread bed bugs to an entire house.

Frequent Questions (FAQs)

• Can bed bugs transmit HIV or hepatitis? This is highly unlikely. It has never been reported.
• Do bed bugs like dirt? Not really. What bed bugs like is the warmth of the human body. Dirty and cluttered spaces just give bed bugs a place to hide.
• Are bed bugs too small to be seen? No. You can see adult bed bugs. They are about the size of an apple seed (4-7 mm; ¼ inch).
• Are bed bugs scared of the light? They do prefer darkness. But keeping the light on will not stop bed bugs from biting you.

When to Call for Bed Bug Bite

Care Advice for Bed Bug Bites

1. What You Should Know About Bed Bug Bites:
   • Bed bug bites cause itchy red bumps.
   • They are usually less than ½ inch (12 mm) in size.
   • Some are larger (like a hive). These are normal reactions to a bed bug.
   • A large hive does not mean your child has an allergy.
   • The redness does not mean the bite is infected.
   • Bed bugs do not carry any infectious diseases.
   • Don’t panic: You can get rid of bed bugs from your home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Steroid Cream for Itching:
   • To reduce the itching, use 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed.
   • Apply 3 times a day until the itch is gone.
   • If you don’t have, apply a baking soda paste until you can get some.
3. Allergy Medicine For Itching:
   • If the bite is still itchy, try an allergy medicine by mouth.
   • Benadryl is a good one. No prescription is needed.
4. Try Not to Scratch:
   • Cut the fingernails short.
   • Help your child not to scratch.
   • Reason: Prevent a skin infection at the bite site.
5. Bed Bug Repellents – Not Helpful:
   • Insect repellents do not keep bed bugs from biting.
   • Repellents containing DEET (used on skin) and permethrin (used on clothing) do not help.
6. Removing Bed Bugs from Your Home:
   • Getting rid of bed bugs requires a licensed pest control service.
   • Look in the phone book or on the internet under Pest Control.
7. What to Expect:
   • Any pinkness or redness usually lasts 3 days.
   • The swelling may last 7 days.
   • The itch may last for 2 weeks.
8. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Bite looks infected (redness gets larger after 48 hours)
   • Large red bumps last more than 7 days
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Bed Bug Bite

This is what a bed bug bite looks like. It can take a few days for the bites to appear after a bed bug bites you. The bites are usually itchy and often have a burning feeling. Try not to scratch and break the skin because this can cause an infection.

Bed Bug

This is a full-grown bedbug. Bedbugs are small brown bugs which are less than ¼ of an inch (6 mm) long. Bedbugs hide in the seams, folds and creases of mattresses and upholstery. They come out at night. During the day, you might see signs of them, such as shed skin, waste or blood marks on the linens.

Bug bites: Symptoms and treatment

From mosquitoes to flies to fire ants, some of the biggest pests come in small sizes.

In many cases, bites from these types of insects are harmless and only cause temporary discomfort. Still, if you’ve ever had an itchy bug bite or a bug bite with swelling, you know just how bothersome bug bites can be. Learn how to identify and get relief from bug bites.

Identifying bug bites

It can be tricky telling what insect bit you. Here’s how to pinpoint other bug bites vs. mosquito bites:

• Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes usually lurk in humid, shaded areas near standing water, such as pools and lakes. Bites result in a stinging sensation followed by a red, itchy mound with a tiny puncture mark at the center.
• Flies: Flies are often found around garbage, food or animal waste. Their bites appear as painful, itchy bumps that may turn into small blisters.
• Fire ants: Fire ants are found on lawns, parks and pastures. They are usually found in southern states in the U.S. Their bite causes an immediate painful, burning sensation, followed by swelling. Cloudy fluid may develop inside the bite.
• Fleas: Fleas only tend to be a problem if you have a pet living in your home. They cause a group of small bites clustered together, typically on areas of your body where clothing fits tightly.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs hide in beds, chairs, couches, between cushions and in the folds of curtains. They’re more likely to bite at night, and are more active in warm weather. They cause two or three itchy, red bumps in a row that may be topped with a blister.

Bug bite symptoms

Specific symptoms vary based on the type of insect that bit you. Bug bite symptoms can include:

• A small, raised or red bump(s)
• Pain
• Itching
• Swelling
• Blistering

Some people develop an allergic reaction to bug bites. However, allergies to stinging insects, like bees and wasps, are more common. If you have rashes from bug bites or any of these signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical help right away:

• Trouble breathing
• Hives (red bumps) on areas of your skin where you weren’t bitten
• Red, swollen bite that worsens
• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Chest pain
• Increased heart rate
• Swelling of your lips, tongue or face

Why do bug bites itch?

Some bugs inject venom into your skin when they bite you, causing an itching sensation. Mosquitoes leave their saliva behind when they bite, which also causes itchiness. Try not to scratch bug bites, because itching can lead to infection.

How long do bug bites last?

Bothersome symptoms from bug bites tend to only last a day or two.

Bug bite treatments

Here’s how to stop bug bites from itching and feeling painful:

• Gently clean bites with soap and water, taking special care not to break blisters.
• Apply a cool compress or ice pack to the affected area. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itching cream, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone, to the bite several times a day until symptoms go away. Or take an OTC oral antihistamine. Baking soda paste can be used as an alternative if you prefer home remedies for bug bites. Mix baking soda with water until you get a paste consistency and apply it directly to the bug bite.

Before you try other natural remedies such as essential oil for bug bites, talk to your healthcare provider. It isn’t known if certain oils will aggravate some bug bites.

See your healthcare provider if your bite looks like it’s getting worse or you cannot get itch relief. You should also contact your provider if you have signs of infectious bug bites, including redness, warmth, swelling or drainage at the site of the bite or a fever, so you can get treatment. In some cases, cellulitis, a bacterial infection that affects the skin and tissue underneath, can develop after a bug bite.

Bug bite prevention

Bites from mosquitoes, ticks and fleas can carry certain viruses or parasites that can make you sick. For example, there have been cases of West Nile virus and Zika virus in the U.S. from mosquitoes, and, in other parts of the world, mosquitoes can carry malaria and yellow fever. Ticks are known to spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. You can help protect yourself from mosquito, tick and flea bites and any harmful germs that they may carry by taking these actions:

• Stay out of tall grass and bushes
• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent
• Wear light-colored, protective clothing that covers your arms and legs
• Tuck pants into socks when you go hiking

While many bug bites are nothing more than minor nuisances, see your healthcare provider if your bite gets worse or if you have signs of an allergic reaction or infected bug bite. Your provider can offer treatment recommendations so you can get relief.

Clinically reviewed and updated June 2021.

Sources:

1. https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/bug-bites-and-stings

2. https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/symptoms.html

3. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/from-insects-animals/Pages/Identifying-Insect-Bites-and-Stings.aspx

4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593

5. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions

6. https://www.sepsis.org/sepsis-and/cellulitis/

7. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/what-to-do-after-a-tick-bite-to-prevent-lyme-disease-beyond-the-basics

8. https://medlineplus.gov/bedbugs.html

9. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/outdoor/mosquito-borne/default.html

10. https://familydoctor.org/condition/insect-borne-diseases/

Mosquitoes & Co: What can be a deadly bite from a mosquito?

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Thursday 13th 2023

Summer – ce flowers, fruits and faceless flying little enemies of our health. People called out for walks in the sight of stray mosquitoes and midges, and they don’t need to get over, like to taste. And for free!

We failed to rank the most safe companies, and if we analyzed the statistics of the world, we gasped. It appears that blasted snakes are killing close to 50 thousand people, and mosquitoes – from 750 thousand to 1 million! Father, you know, and don’t say later that you weren’t ahead of yourself.

TOP-1: mosquitoes

There are about 300 species in the world. The most safe is the malarial mosquito, which is the largest species of the animal. Vіn zavzhdy pіdіymaє cherevtsa uphill, if you sit on the “object” – this sign will help you to recognize the enemy.

The comaha took its name from those who endure deadly unsafe malaria, and also from “yogo conscience” the dengue lihomania and the lihomania of Zahidny Nilu. Luckily, these illnesses are rarely seen in Ukraine. Call them to import mandrivniks from Africa. Also, be respectful, if you are planning to conduct a permit in natural latitudes.

The bite of our little gray “friend” never ends in a swollen swollen red color. Allergy is often blamed, especially in small people, the body of such a hypertrophic reaction to the flowers of roses, flowers or chocolate, oranges and red apples.

Mosquitoes don’t bite only people. Їх vlashtovuє and blood creatures, in which there may be larvae of parasites and bacteria of unsafe ailments:

TOP-2: axles

You won’t believe it, but the axles are right huts. The stench is coma, geese, goosebumps and navit bdzhil. And you also love licorice, water and drink beer. They often add perfumes. Sound out to attack people not navmisno, but with a method to steal “your own”: a tray with fruits and berries on the market, drink a burger from your glass, which smells delicious. As if at that moment you were awake, take the blow with a sting. Dosit often directly into the larynx chi tongue.

The dust is specific – most people are allergic to it. That is why our body can react to a bite with a strong rash, and sometimes with anaphylactic shock. Particularly unsafe – bites in the guise and organs of the mouth empty. Todi nabryak can block the trapping of the wind to the wild ways and wind up ending fatally, as if the victim of the term did not call out “Shvidka”.

TOP-3: gedzі

The reputation of the gedzіv dzіpsovan їhnoy neborlivistyu. The heroes of the smitniks do not rake any creatures, but fill them with corpses, no longer seeming about the mercenaries. Otzhe, endure infections. Vipadki were fixed, if through the bite of a tsієї fly with great eyes people took off the Siberian virazka.

Wounds from their bites often scorch and fester, on the body of the body instructed with a mass of wounds with a sting, where lymph nodes often grow.

The bite of a horse is easy to recognize: blame for a great snag, in the middle of which one appears once more fluffy. As if they had such a flame at their place, wash the area of ​​the wound with sweet water and apply a compress, wetting with rose alcohol and grub soda. Change yoga hour by hour.

TOP-4: hornets

They often stray with wasps, but the stench may be greater than the world. The head of the nebezpeku warehouse otruta. Vaughn is not so toxic, like in their “smaller brothers”, but the quantity is more significant.

Until then, the hornets have a brutal character and do not ring on one bite. To that it is not necessary to need medical assistance, as if in the forest you and your child have tasted your lover of warm galyavins. Termіnovo call “shvidka”!

Hornets are also very successful in spreading infectious diseases and can cause a severe allergic reaction, right up to the poison.

How to minimize the bite of a coma bite

If you don’t know how the coma has tasted you, respectfully admire you to the wound. Got a pity? Carefully remove yogo so that the rubbish is not consumed in the shelter.

Don’t count the site of the bite – you can spread the infection further.

Treat the wound with cold soda or ammonia. Yakshcho tasted a wasp, bjola chi hornet, wash the wounded place with sweet water.

Unbearable pain to change the bandage, leaked with salt and cold water.

Drink plenty of water.

As if the pressure did not change, the temperature rose, otherwise there were problems with forgings, going to the doctor.

Be careful on walks and don’t worry so you don’t get bored!

References

• extension.wisc.edu;
• cabidigitallibrary.org;
• betterhealth.vic.gov.au.

Editorial team

Creation date: 06/13/2023
Update date: 07/03/2023

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The best remedies for itching after bites of mosquitoes and other insects – July 6, 2021

Mosquitoes are guided by body temperature – therefore, people with superficially located capillaries become their favorites

org/Person”> Photo: Gustavo Zyryanov / NGS.RU

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Insect bites are common in summer, especially if you spend weekends outside the city. At the same time, they cause a lot of discomfort, and sometimes they can be really dangerous – even if we are talking about ordinary bees and mosquitoes. In the regular column “What hurts you?” today we are figuring out together with doctors how the bites of different insects differ, why you can’t scratch them and how to relieve itching after a bite.

Insects (by adding some arthropods to them) can be divided into two groups: stinging and blood-sucking (there will still be moths and butterflies that do not sting or bite). The first group includes bees, bumblebees, hornets, ants, the second group includes mosquitoes, fleas, horseflies, ticks, bedbugs, lice. Since stinging insects attack for self-defense, and blood-sucking ones for food, their mechanisms are different – when stinging, a person interacts with poison, and when bitten, with saliva, which contains histamine-like substances. They help slow down blood clotting and, irritating the epithelial cells, provoke a local allergic reaction, swelling appears, which can subsequently be accompanied by itching.

— Allergic reactions can be either local or systemic. Most often, these are skin rashes, which are very diverse: papular, hemorrhagic, urticarial (in the form of blisters), says Ekaterina Skvortsova, general practitioner, therapist at the Medsi clinic. – Depending on the type of insect, there are features: for example, when bitten by midges, it acquires the character of erysipelas, redness, swelling without temperature. When bitten by a mosquito – itchy nodular rash.

The first thing to remember is that you must not scratch the bite. And this rule is not taken from the ceiling: the fact is that when combing, pathogenic microflora can get there and then suppuration joins. By the way, for the same reason, you can not apply grass to the bite site, even plantain.

– It is necessary to treat the bite site with disinfectants: rinse with running water with baby or laundry soap, you can slightly salted water. If there are disinfectant solutions on hand, such as furacilin solution, treat them. You can use alcohol-containing medicinal tinctures, diluted with water one to one, advises Dr. Skvortsova.

To relieve discomfort, you can apply an ice cube or just something cold to the bite site – this soothes and relieves swelling. To get rid of itching and redness after mosquito bites, you can use pharmaceutical products – creams and ointments based on antihistamines (for example, Fenistil-gel, Fenidin, Dimestin, Dimetinden-Akrikhin).

– If you see that redness has begun to appear not even at the site of the bite, then the antihistamine will need to be taken orally. Severe allergies to non-stinging insects rarely occur, but it can happen – for example, such a reaction can occur to a horsefly bite, – says Ivan Skorokhodov, an allergist-immunologist at the UMMC-Health Medical Center.

All other folk ways to relieve itching and swelling doctor rejects. For example, he does not recommend using the Zvezdochka balm for this – it has a local irritating effect, this will lead to even greater vasodilation and increased edema.

Doctors call it not a bite, but a sting. Stinging insects are dangerous in that a severe systemic allergic reaction can develop from their poison – up to anaphylactic shock. It can manifest itself in the first three hours, so it is important at this time to observe the state of the stung. The reason for calling an ambulance may be difficult or wheezing breathing, speech problems, choking, too much (more than 5 cm in diameter) swelling from a bite in the face or tongue, red spots or hives outside the bite site, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea , vomiting, rapid pulse, anxiety, dizziness, severe weakness; the condition is deteriorating rapidly. If an insect has stung from the inside of the throat (this happens if you swallow a bee or wasp, for example, with a drink), a child under five years of age has suffered, or the stung person has severe chronic diseases, an ambulance should be called immediately. Ekaterina Skvortsova says that if the previous time there was already an acute allergic reaction to a bee sting, it will get worse with each subsequent time.