How to Spot Bed Bug Symptoms and Signs
" Follow these tips for how to spot bed bugs such as bed bug symptoms and bed bug signs on the mattress. In terms of skin related symptoms such as bite, most people show no skin reaction, particularly the elderly. Bed bug bites are an allergic reaction, and are commonly seen in individuals that are allergic or suffer from urticaria, which are inflamed, swollen red areas at each location where a bite took place (it is actually a single skin puncture, not a bite). Bed bug bite symptoms vary between people. Itch is the other major skin related symptom. Avoid itching the spots, since this can introduce infection. In most allergic people, symptoms appear within an hour. Others can have a reaction which is delayed several days after being bitten. After symptoms appear, the problem should resolve itself without any treatment in 3 to 5 days. Other bed bug signs include mattress stains and finding and identifying the bed bugs themselves."
Tips on How to Spot Bed Bug Signs
A skin reaction alone is not enough to determine if you have a bed bug problem, as bites can be caused by other insects and other factors such as an allergy to food or something in the environment. Because of this, its important to confirm any suspicion of bed bugs with other signs such as as fecal markings on the bed.
As shown in these pictures of bed bug signs, a combination of bed bug bite reactions and other proof such as fecal marks or even capturing a live insect for identification are needed. Note how in these pictures bed bug symptoms such as bites vary between people.
Bed Bugs Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
The most common bed bug symptoms are small red bumps or welts that resemble mosquito bites. There are often multiple bites in one area and they are sometimes formed in rows. Bites can occur on any area of the body. They are actually not bites, but a single skin puncture in the center of the skin lesion that forms. The center of a bed bug bite is white, surrounded by a red area. ***below-paragraph-1.shtml**
Bed bug symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction. When bed bugs bite, they secrete a chemical that prevents blood from clotting. This chemical also numbs the area, so you may not feel the big biting you. Many people are allergic to this chemical. If you have a skin reaction to bed bug bites, you’re one of them. The more severe the allergy, the more severe the symptoms.
Symptoms also include itching, which can sometimes
be severe. The itching can keep you up at night. It’s important not to
scratch the bites, though, regardless of how much they itch as this can
introduce infection.
In rare cases, bed bug bites may cause large
reddened areas or hives, up to eight inches across. They may also cause
blisters or pus-filled sacs.
You should know, though, that bed bugs do not spread disease. Therefore bites are rarely serious.
Allergic reactions are the worst symptoms of bed bugs caused by the bites. It is possible that the allergic reaction can cause welts on the skin or hives, even hives that are 8 inches wide. You may also see blisters and puss.
In people that are extremely allergic to the bites, they can cause a problem called anaphylactic shock, which is a sharp drop in blood pressure accompanied by breathing problems.
The majority of people, estimated to be 50% to 70% will show no skin reaction. This does not mean that they have not been bitten, it just means that they are not allergic to the bites.
Pictures of Bed Bug Symptoms
Bed bug Bites are an allergic reaction and will vary between people. Most people will have a minor skin reaction as shown below. Bite reactions can vary between episodes, so if you are bitten again next year, you could see a different bite reaction.
Small skin reactions are referred to as urticaria, which means skin inflammation and swelling at every bite location.
Picture
of Bed Bug Bites
Source: Mayo Foundation
Mild Bed Bug Bites on Arm
Bed Bug Symptom - A wheal or round skin reaction forms on
some individuals
In individuals that are very sensitive to bed bug bites, they will see a more pronounced skin reaction which are referred to as being bullous (fluid filled bump).
Bed Bug Symptoms - Bites
on Abdomen
Bed bug symptoms on legs
or the arms might be in a straight line, which indicates that this part
of the body was resting along a bed seam or area where bed bugs were
hiding.
In highly allergic people, bed bug symptoms can include skin blisters.
Bed Bug Bite Blisters on
Arm
In very rare cases allergic
individuals can have an asthmatic reaction or suffer from a condition
called anaphylaxis, which is an allergic reaction causing breathing
problems, a lowering of the blood pressure and shock.
Treating BedBug Symptoms
Bed bug bites rarely require medical attention.
Occasionally they might get infected, in which case you should see a
doctor. Don’t scratch the bites, because that can break the skin and
increase the risk of infection. If the bites do become infected, you’ll
need antibiotics.
Wash the area with the bites with an antiseptic
soap (most soaps these days are antiseptic, but read the package to
find out) to help prevent infection.
If your bites are very itchy, you can use calamine lotion or another over-the-counter cream to treat insect bites and stop itching. Some people also take an antihistamine like Benadryl to control the allergic reaction. You can also purchase products that are made specifically for bed bug itch.
There is also prescription medication
that can help with the itching, but usually over-the-counter remedies
do the trick.
If your bed bug symptoms are severe, for instance, if you have the blisters or pus-filled sacs, you should see your doctor just to make sure your symptoms are in fact caused by bed bugs. Make sure you share your suspicion of bed bugs with your doctor. You should also see your doctor if you think your bites have become infected. Your doctor can tell you if there is any treatment recommended for your case of bed bug bites.
Preventing Bed Bug Symptoms
Bed bugs rarely bite skin areas exposed when sleeping. Wear tight fitting clothes to bed and this will reduce the number of bites. Other precautions include:
- Use a natural bed bug skin repellent. These products claim to reduce the number of bed bug bites by 98%.
- Move the bed at least 6 inches from the wall and all furniture. Wash all blankets and linen in hot water followed by 20 to 30 minutes in the dryer. Vacuum all bed seams. Use a mattress safe spray such as Sterifab on the mattress, box spring and bed frame.
- Place double sided tape around each bed leg. Consider adding a bed bug trap under each leg.
These are only temporary measures. We always recommend hiring a professional experienced exterminator. Start by calling Service Magic (1-877-233-1145), since they provide free quotes. If you decide to treat the home yourself, be sure to buy a bed bug kit that contains the combination of products needed to do the job right.
How to Spot Bed Bug Signs when Traveling
Also be sure to learn how to spot signs of bed bugs when traveling. Before bringing luggage into the hotel room, check the mattress for fecal stains and look behind the headboard as this is the best way to detect bed bugs in any room. For the most part a clean mattress means a clean room. Another precaution is to spray your luggage before packing with a product such as JT Eaton Luggage spray, which will provide 3 to 6 weeks of protection. Keep your luggage zipped when not in use and be sure to keep it elevated and away from any walls. Never unpack luggage in a hotel room and the furniture could be infested. You can also ask if the room you are staying in or any adjacent rooms have been treated for bed bugs.
Killing Bed Bugs in Your Home
If you find that you do have bed bugs, be sure to act quickly
on your bed
bug treatment plan. Killing bed bugs fast before they start
to multiply will make sure that you and your family will
be free
of bed bug symptoms
in
no time.
References
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What Other Visitors Have Said About Bed Bugs
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Bed Bug Itch Problem
I have been taking Benaydrl and hydro cream...I can't get them to stop itching..what do I do..on one arms it iss really bad..the hives are covering the ...
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