Are These Bed Bug Symptoms?

by Jean-Pierre
(New York)

I recently started having this trouble. Since I sleep on an air mattress, I first thought my red, itchy skin could be an allergy to the mattress. Later it got worse at night, and I suspect it could be bed bugs. I've never had bed bugs before, so I uploaded two pictures of the "bites". Could this be bed bugs? I changed the sheet and comforter as a test.

Editor Response

Hi Jean-Pierre,

It isn't possible to tell from a photo. Bed bug bites look a lot like other insect bites and skin reactions, and people react very differently; some people get no marks at all. Itchy bumps that show up on skin that was uncovered while you slept, often in a line or cluster, are a clue, but not proof.

The only sure way to know is to find the bugs or their signs. With a flashlight, check the seams of the air mattress, the bedding and anything near the bed for live bugs, shed skins, tiny white eggs and small dark spots. Interceptor cups or traps around the bed can also catch them. If you find nothing and the rash continues, see a doctor, because an allergy or another skin condition may be the cause.

See our guides to bed bug bite symptoms and how to check for bed bugs.