It cannot be denied that bed bugs can be annoying due to the bites that they leave on different parts of the body. Bed bugs are described as small, oval-shaped and flat insects. These insects are wingless and depend on humans to transport them from one location to another. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color and feed on blood from both animals and humans. These insects are typically active at night and feed on their victims while they are sleeping.
Appearance of bed bug bites
When bed bugs bite, some individuals do not experience any reaction at all. As for those who experience symptoms from a bite, they are likely to experience one or more of the following:
- Bite with a reddened, swollen area with a dark red center
- Blisters or hives at the bite site
- Bites occur as a line or grouped together in a small space
The bed bug bites can occur on any part of the body but are more common on areas that are exposed while sleeping such as the arms, face, legs and hands.
Symptoms of bed bug bites
It is important to note that bed bug bites do not always appear right away after the individual was bitten. In some cases, it might take a few days for the symptoms to manifest. Remember that bed bugs do not feed every night since they can go on for several days without eating. It might take a few weeks to notice that the bites are part of a big pattern.
The bed bug bites can be very itchy. There is a burning sensation on the skin several days after the individual was bitten. The individual will not feel them bite since they excrete a small amount of anesthesia before biting. When the bite site is scratched, it might lead to a secondary infection that can cause bleeding and swelling.
Other similar bites
Unless there is an infestation of bed bugs in your house or slept in an infested bed, you might not consider that bed bugs caused the bites. In case the individual reacts to the bites, they become slightly swollen with an itchy, red-colored center. Once this occurs, they are visually similar to flea or mosquito bites during the early stages. Nevertheless, bed bug bites can appear in small groups or in a straight line. The bites from mosquitos are sporadic while flea bites are very small and typically found in the ankles or legs.
Can bed bugs cause other issues?
Unlike with other insects, bed bugs do not transmit disease when they bite. The only issue is that the bites are likely to cause a skin infection due to excessive itching and scratching. For those who are allergic to the bites, they might experience dramatic symptoms such as sore swelling, distended bite marks and burning at the bite site.
Treatment for bed bug bites
Bed bugs are more annoying than being deadly. The symptoms of the bite usually vanish in 1-2 weeks. All you have to do is to apply an anti-itch cream to prevent the individual from scratching the bite site. An antihistamine can be given to minimize the itchiness and burning sensation. You can also apply an ice pack to numb the skin and minimize the urge to scratch. If you will enroll in a first aid course, you can ease the symptoms experienced by the individual.