Severe Itch After a Hotel Stay

by Jan
(Bedford, Ohio)

My boyfriend was working out of town and complained about itchy bumps on his upper body for 2 1/2 weeks. When I visited, I woke up feeling like I was on fire, with welts from my neck to my ankles. We saw a few bugs on the comforter, and he killed three. The hotel moved us and had our clothes dry-cleaned, but offered no discount or apology, and the mattress was thrown out the next day. Twelve days later I'm still in agony and can't stop itching, even after creams and pills. I'm embarrassed to be in public and can hardly sleep. I'm also thinking about a lawsuit. Any suggestions?

Editor Response

Hi Jan,

We're sorry. Itching this severe 12 days later, after creams and pills, is a reason to see a doctor or dermatologist. They can prescribe stronger treatment and check for infection. Keep records of that visit too.

Make sure you didn't bring bugs home: put the clothes and bags from the trip through a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes, check your luggage, and put interceptor cups under your bed legs. If they stay empty for several weeks, that's a good sign. New bites would mean you need an inspection.

On a lawsuit: we're not lawyers. Save the bugs if you still have them, plus photos, receipts, medical records and any messages with the hotel, and talk with a local attorney who handles personal injury cases. See our guides to treating bed bug rash and bed bug lawsuits.