Bed Bug Symptoms

" Bed bug symptoms include red bumps on the body and itch due to a mild allergic reaction. Avoid itching the spots. The problem should resolve itself without any treatment "  

Symptoms of bed bugs includes 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Picture of Bed Bug Bites

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. 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.

References

Mayo Clinic

Betterhealth

Share Your Bed Bug Experience With Others

Do you have a great story about bed bugs? Share it!

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...