" Bed bug bite marks vary between people. A bed bug bite is actually a skin puncture from a sharp hollow tube located on the bed bugs head. The stylet is inserted into the skin until a blood supply is located. As part of the feeding process, the bedbug will inject a substance into the host that acts like an anesthetic, so the host doesn't feel the puncture. Some people, but not all, will have an allergic reaction to the substances injected into the skin. This can range from no skin reaction, to minor papules, to in severe cases, large itchy welts and skin blistering. "
Bed bug bites are actually a skin puncture caused by the a sharp stylet or tube located on the bed bug head. The stylet punctures the skin and looks for a blood supply. The bites usually occur at night are are painless.
At night, bed bugs are attracted to body warmth and the carbon dioxide created when someone breathes. They usually hide within 1 to 6 feet of host, which in most cases area areas around the mattress such as tufts and seams.
When a bed bug punctures the skin, it is thought that salivary proteins are injected into the host, which causes the allergic or immunological response (protein is called nitrophorin).
Minor bed bug bite reactions will on its own and requires no treatment. Healing will occur in less than a week. In unusual cases, bed bug welts can take several weeks to heal.
In most people. bed bug itch is the most pronounced reaction. In this case, an over the counter oatmeal based topical such as Aveeno will help. There are products available that are specifically formulated to treat bed bug itch such as All Stop and ProEcza.
Other bed bug bite treatment approaches are based on the severity of the symptoms. For example, if infection has set in, then either a topical or oral antibiotic is needed.
An individual can also have anxiety related to being bitten by a bed bug. This condition is called delusional parasitosis. Dermatologists are now studying psychodermatology, which is the study of the mind and body connection. In the same way that someone may break out in acne when anxious, it is possible to believe that bed bugs are crawling on your skin, when in fact they are not.
The first step in treating delusional parasitosis is the acknowledgment or belief that the bed bugs are gone. For example, a bed bug trap such as Climbup Interceptors can be placed under each bed leg. If no bed bugs are trapped, then the mind starts to believe that the bed bug problem is gone. Bed bug related psychodermatology problems that continue may require a therapist.
A bed bug repellent is available that can be sprayed directly on the skin. The product, called Bed Bug Repellent, it is all natural and made from plant extracts that has properties associated with repelling bed bugs. The manufacturer claims it will repel 98% of bed bugs.
Another solution is to wear tight fitting clothing to bed to protect exposed areas such as socks.
Of course, in the long term, bed bug treatment is required by either a professional exterminator. We always suggest hiring a professional for killing bedbugs since it takes knowledge and the right products.
Bed Bug exterminators can cost as most as $1000 or more, so be sure to get a quote from several companies in your area. We suggest starting with a call to Service Magic (1.877.233.1145), since they are a network of local contractors that are pre-screened prior to acceptance into the network. For this will a call to a national company like Terminix (1.877.289.4849) since they will also provide a free quote. They will also confirm that you are not confusing bed bugs with other insects. A lower cost alternative is to buy a do it yourself bed bug kit.
Because the bites may resemble other insects such as mosquito bites. Be sure to look for other signs of bed bugs such as fecal spots on a mattress. As mentioned above, you can also call in a bed bug exterminator to confirm if bed bugs are the cause of the bed bug bite mark problem.
Environmental Health Section San Francisco Department of Public Health
Do you have a question or great story about bed bugs? Share it!
Help Others With Your Bed Bug Story or Question
Close Help
Entering your story is easy to do. Just type!...Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story.TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph.
Do you have a bed bug picture to add? Great! Click the button and find it on your computer. Then select it.
Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional)
Click here to upload more images (optional)
Author Information (optional)
To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.
Your Name
(first or full name)
Your Location
(ex. City, State, Country)
Submit Your Contribution
Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.
(You can preview and edit on the next page)
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Skin Bumps at Night Not rated yet I am freaking out idk what to do my daughters bed is so stained that I'm not sure if we have bed bugs or dust mites maybe she needs a new bed.Anyways,...
From Bed Bug Bite Marks to more information on Bed Bug Bites
To Bed Bugs Handbook Home
This site accepts advertising and other forms of compensation for products mentioned. Such compensation does not influence the information or recommendations made. We always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences. All rights reserved. © 2011 Bed Bugs Handbook
