While most people think that bed bug bites are the same as pimples, or vice versa, it is actually very easy to see the differences between the two. The following article breaks down each case of bedbug bite vs pimple so you can know the difference and which one is going on with your body.
Everyone knows what bed bug bites look like. We see them in movies, read about them on the internet, and hear stories from friends and family. Unfortunately, some of us have experienced firsthand what these bites look like firsthand. They’re not only extremely itchy but also painful. That’s why when you develop a rash of bite marks that look kind of like pimples, you naturally freak out.
Bed bug bites and pimples can look strikingly similar at times – even to the naked eye. Bed bugs are very small, itchy-biting insects that live off of blood. They thrive in warm areas such as the bed, living room, or even the bathroom. These pests can strike anywhere they feel comfortable with way too much stamina in these hot summer months. Just when you think you are getting rid of bed bugs and moving on with life, You find a bump that looks like a pimple but then again, you don’t see anything come out of it. What could these bumps be?
What Do Bed Bug Bite Look Like
Like mosquito bites or any number of other skin ailments, bed bug bites can come in different shapes and sizes, and there’s no one way they manifest on the skin. Some are small and pea-sized, while others take up a wide swath of space across a person’s back or arm. The appearance of these marks has been likened to pimples by some, while others have compared them to mosquito bites. Like all insect bites, they’re generally roundish but can be irregularly shaped if you’ve slept on your side or something like that.
Regardless of how your bed bug bite manifests itself, there are a few things you should watch out for: firstly, watch for swelling around the area—because nothing is worse than having an unsightly brown mark on your face or neck; secondly, if it doesn’t clear up after a few days (or if it gets worse), see your doctor immediately.
Another way to tell the difference between bed bug bites and pimples is by their linear appearance. Bed bugs, like all other insects, feed in lines or rows. If you’ve been bitten by a bed bug then chances are that you’ll have more than one bite. You may even see several in a straight line or zig-zag pattern on your skin.
This can be confusing for some people as they might think it looks like someone scratched them with their nails or teeth but there’s no need to worry since it’s not human-induced.
Differences Between Bed Bug Bites And Pimples
How do you know if it’s a bed bug bite vs a pimple? It can be hard to tell the difference between the two since both will show up as inflamed red lumps. But there are some telltale signs that help to differentiate them:
- Bed bug bites are itchy and appear in groups of three or more
- Pimples will vary from person to person, but they tend to be less itchy than bed bug bites and have a more bumpy surface with puss-filled bumps coming from deeper inside your skin
- Bed bug bites will often be linear in shape (one line), while pimples tend to be isolated
Bed Bug Bite Symptoms
If you want to know what bed bug bites look like, then the answer is that they look different on everyone. The symptoms may appear in groups of three or more and can be small or large, red or pink, and sometimes with a darker red spot in the middle. The shape is usually a straight line.
When you are bitten, you will feel an immediate reaction. The bite will swell quickly and stay swollen for a few days until it finally goes away.
The severity of the bite depends on how severe your allergies are to bed bugs. Someone who is not allergic to bed bugs would only experience mild swelling and itching, while someone who is highly allergic can have intense swelling with welts and hives that last up to 2 weeks after the initial bite was inflicted.
If you do get bitten by a bed bug, take note of its appearance: there should be two parallel rows of red marks where their pincers were attached before they released their grip in order for them to feed on blood from your skin cells; these marks should appear in a straight line along with very small punctures from where their pincers physically pierced through your epidermis (the outermost layer) into underlying tissue or muscle fibers/tissues underneath for feeding purposes.”
What Happens After Being Bitten By A Bed Bug
While funny to think about, it’s actually not so easy to tell bed bug bites apart from other types of skin irritations, small welts, or pimples. Bed bugs can cause itchy welts that look like mosquito bites or hives. Many people have little reaction when they are first bitten by bed bugs, and may only develop a rash after several days. The rash is usually red with some swelling and itching around the bite itself, but this may not be enough to make a diagnosis on its own.
If you’re worried that you may have been exposed to bed bugs recently (or if you’re just curious whether your skin condition is actually being caused by these insects), here are some things to keep in mind:
- Most people who experience an infestation of bedbugs will develop an allergic reaction within 24 hours after being bitten. However, many people show no physical signs at all until 4-5 days later; this delay between exposure and developing symptoms can lead to confusion about what is causing them.* Bed bug bites tend toward linear rows of 3-4 bites clustered together—but not always. Some people report being bitten singly on random areas of their body.* Redness around each bite mark tends toward a central red splotch surrounded by lighter pinkish hues for several days before fading back into normal skin tone over time.”
List Of Treatment Products For Pimples/Bed Bug Bites
Pimples and bed bug bites can be annoying, especially when you have to deal with them on a regular basis. The good news is that there are many treatments available to help you get rid of your pimples or bed bug bites. Whether you’re looking for an over-the-counter product or something that’s more natural, you’ll find what you need here.

Beurer BR60 Insect Sting and Bite Relief, Bug Bite Healer for Chemical-Free Treatment of Insect Bites and Stings, Non-Toxic Natural Relief from Itching and Swelling, for Mosquito Bites
Price: $26.71
Features:
- SYMPTOM RELIEF: The insect bite healer helps combat itching and swelling after insect bites by using heat to accelerate the healing process – insect bite relief from mosquitos, wasps, bugs, and bees
- CHEMICAL-FREE: Non-toxic and safe to use, the insect bite pen only uses heat and is suitable for pregnant women, you can avoid chemical products like bug bite creams or bug sprays
- FAST AND EFFECTIVE: The quick-warming ceramic plate is ready for use almost immediately and application takes just 3-6 seconds, depending on which of the 2 programs you’ve chosen – suitable for all ages and sensitive skin
- EASY TO USE: Place the bug bite pen on the affected area, then press the button and wait 3-6 seconds until you hear the beep and the heating stops – super simple and easy to use
- PORTABLE DESIGN: The bug bite healer is battery-operated, compact, and lightweight and is the ideal accessory for travel, camping and other outdoor activities – ready whenever you need it

Mite-B-Gone 10% Sulfur Lotion Itch Relief for Insect Bites, Acne, Itching, Discomfort & Redness | Fast & Effective Relief for Itch with an All-Natural Blend of Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients | 8 oz
Price: $51.95
Features:
- Mite-B-Gone Sulfur Lotion is a natural blend of nourishing essential oils and botanicals that quickly relieve itch from bug bites, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema, as well as skin discomfort and nail irritations.
- Mite-B-Gone’s Lotion is a 100% Natural Formula that includes Sunflower Seed Oil and Tea Tree Oil. This known soothing and anti-inflammatory blend quickly counteracts itching and progressively clears up discomfort.
- You may notice the Sulfur micro-particles have a slightly gritty texture to your soap. Sulfur is keratolytic, which means that it works to loosen the outer layer of the skin and shed those dead skin cells. This results in deeper penetration!
- Mite-B-Gone Lotion gives you lasting relief WITHOUT harsh chemicals or irritation
- Proudly small-batched by our skilled production technicians in our FDA Registered Facility right outside Atlanta, Georgia, here in the USA.
- 3-Year Shelf Life

Spenco 2nd Skin Squares Soothing Protection, Gel Squares 200-Count, Bacterial Barrier, One Size
Price: 36.90
Features:
- Medical-grade gel adhesive squares sooth, cool, and protect
- Hypoallergenic, latex free, and non-medicated, these hydrogel squares can be used for scrapes, cuts and burns
- Made mostly from water so the dressings will not stick to the skin for painless removal
- Ideal for use in clinics, training rooms, and first aid kits
- 200 gel squares (non-sterile). 1 inch x 1 inch / 2.5cm x 2.5cm
In Conclusion,
It is clear that bed bug bites and pimples are not the same. A bed bug bite is a small, red lump that appears on your skin after you have been bitten by a bed bug. A pimple, on the other hand, is an accumulation of oil and dead skin cells in a pore.
It may be difficult to tell whether or not you have been bitten by a bed bug when you first notice the rash or bump on your skin. However, if you see any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also take precautions to avoid being bitten again.