Bed bug bites – What do they look like? Do they transmit diseases? See pictures and get answers about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of bed bug bites.
First Signs And Symptoms Of Bed Bug Bites
There are few scenarios more disconcerting than waking up in the morning to find rows and clusters of bites on your body. And it is even more chilling to think that you may be sleeping with bed bugs that have feasted upon you all night, sucking their fill on your blood for three to five minutes at a time.
To find out whether you have been bitten by bed bugs, check if you have the follwing symptoms:
- Small to large red bumps that occur in a row, cluster or linear pattern. (Other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, ants or lice do not bite in a cluster or linear pattern; only bed bugs do which experts refer to as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”, a sequential feeding pattern of bed bugs.)
- Repeatedly waking up each morning to find more similar bite marks patterns on same or other parts of the body (with no cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea been detected.)
- Unusual staining of brown spots (dried blood) or insect waste on the bed sheets.
Note: For some people, when bitten by bed bugs, the bites can develop into intense itching with an allergic response.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
The appearance of bed bug bites depends upon the individual’s response to the bites.
Below are some references on what bed bug bites may look like:
- See more pictures of bed bug bites
Where Do The Bites Most Commonly Occur?
Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale and our body heat which explains why they tend to attack at night, while we sleep. Any exposed areas of the bodies while we sleep are target spots for a bed bug to bite. The most common areas reported by victims include the face, neck, back, hands, arms and legs.
Do Bed Bug Bites Hurt? Do The Bites Itch?
Unless you have an allergic reaction to the bites (which is very rare), bed bug bites do not hurt as the bug releases an antiseptic ingredient that numbs the skin temporarily. However the bites typically swell and itch within a few hours of being bitten and may develop into a rash.
Rashes from bed bug bites usually last for two or three days before fading. However, people who are extremely sensitive to the bites will display the rash symptoms for up to a week or more and may require professional medical attention to get the bed bug bite rash to dissipate entirely.
Do Bed Bug Bites Transmit Disease?
Currently, there are no medical evidence that suggests bed bugs nor their bites transmit disease.
Medical and scientific studies concerning whether bed bugs carry infectious diseases are still ongoing, but some research has shown that these bugs may carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi, known to cause Chagas Disease. This disease causes skin inflammation which can lead heart and intestinal tract tissue inflammation and other serious health issues. Additional studies conducted on beg bug fecal matter has noted the presence of the hepatitis B virus.
In very rare cases, people who have experienced an allergic reaction suffered anaphylaxis, a condition that may cause hives, shortness of breath and lowered blood pressure.
The psychological impact of an infestation can cause increased stress, anxiety, depression, paranoia and other mental and emotional issues. Even after a home is free of bugs, people may feel intense fear that re-infestation will occur.
How Does One Treat Bed Bug Bites?
Bed bug bites treatment typically involves the use of local antiseptic lotion, antibiotic cream or ointment. Look for corticosteroid creams and oral antihistamines to treat the allergic reaction. If you do not have these remedies around the house, you may want to try using an icy compress on the welts to help temporarily relieve the swelling and itching.
For severe itching or swelling, consult your physician as you may need a prescription-strength medication.
How To Prevent Getting Bitten By Bed Bugs?
Since bed bugs, in most cases, attack their victims during the night while they sleep, the first line of defense would be to invest in quality bed bug proof covers to help encase the mattress protect against the bugs and aid in the prevention of the bites.
As a preventive measure, one can also add “Climbup Interceptor” to the legs of the bed that will prevent prevent bed bugs from climbing onto your bed. Alternatively, for beds without legs, a popular choice would be to stick double-sided tape around the bed.
Alternatively, one can also apply bed bug pesticides like Diatomaceous Earth to defend your perimeters around the area where one sleeps. Diatomaceous Earth helps dehydrates and kills the bed bugs upon contact.
If you suspect you have an infestation, the best piece of advice would be to call in a certified professional to inspect and treat the house.
For travelers: do a little bit of due diligence on the Bed Bug Registry to check for any complaints of bed bugs in the hotel you intend to stay and always, performing a quick check on the hotel mattress, sheets and headboard can help prevent any encounter with bed bugs and their bites.
