Itchy bites after staying at a friend's house: bed bugs?

by Gina
(Pasco County, FL)

I stayed overnight at a friend's house on a Friday and then noticed bites that looked like ant bites. It's been almost a week and the itching seems to be getting worse, even though I'm not scratching. Could it be bed bugs?

Editor Response

Hi Gina,

It could be, but bites alone can't tell you. Bed bug bites look like many other insect bites, and they can take up to 2 weeks to appear. Tell your friend so they can check their beds and couches. Check your own luggage, clothes and bed too, especially if you brought a bag home. For the itching, an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine usually helps, but see a doctor if the itching keeps getting worse, the bites look infected, or you have a strong reaction. Our bed bug bites guide has pictures and treatment tips.