Overview
Each of the following pictures of bed bug bites shows typical skin reactions to the insect's saliva. Most people are not hypersensitive to the bites and will show no reaction at all with the exception of two small dots where the bedbug punctured the skin. Other people can develop red papular eruptions (raised inflamed areas) or in severe cases, blisters.
Most bites will have a small clear area in the center surrounded by redness that may or may not be raised. People tend to become more sensitive and have larger reactions after each episode. Reactions can include itch, swelling, rash and wheals (large round red area on the skin). Severe reactions can cause skin blisters and trouble breathing, although these reactions are very rare.
Skin reactions can occur immediately, hours or days later.
Itch, the primary symptom beyond a red raised area, should
subside in 1 to 3 days. Bed bug bites should go away with no treatment in 4 to 7 days.
Picture of Bed Bug Feeding on SkinIf you skin symptoms match any of the pictures of bed bug bites, look for other signs of an infestation.
picture of bed bug bite Examples
Bed bugs bites will appear on areas of the body that are exposed during sleep. The most common areas are the legs, arms, shoulders and neck. The bite itself will feel like a like tickle or pinch. Patterns are often in a straight line.. Do not scratch the bites as it can cause a skin infection.
Typical Skin Reactions
Bed Bug Bite Skin Reaction After 30 Minutes
Bed Bug Bite Pattern on ArmBed bug bites can appear individually, in groups or in rows.
Cluster of Bed Bug Bites on ArmBed Bug bite wheal skin reaction
The Bed Bug bite wheal pattern see below is usually seen in people that that have had other bed bug bite episodes and are now more sensitive to the bites.
Bed Bug Skin Wheal ReactionAuthor: R. Naylor
The size of the skin reaction depends on the allergic response of the individual. Hypersensitive individuals will have larger reactions.
Bed Bug Wheal Skin ReactionBlister Reaction
In advanced cases bed bug skin reactions can turn into blisters.
Picture of Bed Bug Skin BlistersAuthor: Leverkus
Bed Bug Bite Blisters Hypersensitive ReactionTreatment of bed bug bites
Treatment for bedbugs bites involves addressing the itch, soothing the
skin and then preventing any infection. All Stop
makes an
anti-itch anti-microbial gel formula that is specifically formulated to
stop bed bug itch and to promote healing.
If the bed bug bites aren't healing, or you see signs of puss or
infection, be sure to see a Doctor.
Bed bug signs
Do not rely only on bite symptoms when determining if you have a bed bug infestation. Skin reactions can be caused by other insects (spiders, mosquitoes, scabies to name a few), skin irritation from exposure to household chemicals or some type of allergy.
If you believe you have bed bug bites, confirm the problem by looking for another signs of an infestation. There are four signs that when taken together, help to differentiate
bed bug bites from those made by other insects such as mosquitoes.
These include:
- Pattern: Middle of the bite is clear with a red ring around the middle.
- Symptoms: Most bites are very itchy
- Location: Bugs bite skin areas that aren't covered by sleepwear. This includes the arms, legs, shoulders and neck. Bites are rarely seen on the bottoms of the feet. If this is the location of the bite, see a Doctor as ask if the condition is scabies.
- Signs on the
Mattress: Small brown spots on a mattress (fecal matter)
or small blood stains could indicate the presence of bed bugs.
Of course, spotting the bugs themselves is a sign.
They hide in the seams of the mattress.
Picture of Bed Bug Stains on MattresscONTACT a bed bug professional
As mentioned above, do not only rely on picture of bed bug bite examples to confirm that bed bugs are your problem. Call in a professional that knows how to spot an infestation that might be in the walls of your home or hidden in a bed frame.
We recommended using the exterminators registered with Home Advisor. You can also call eLocal at 1.877.673.2704 for a pest control expert near you. Members of these networks are licensed and reviewed. There is no charge to receive a quote. You can also look at our directory of bed bug pest control experts.
Brochures
Each of these free brochures are filled with additional picture of bed bug bite examples such as photos of rashes, skin reactions, mattress signs and information.
