We’ve observed a recent increase in the number of customers who are simultaneously suffering from both bed bug bites and shingles. This has led me to write this article to help you understand why this is happening and what we can do to treat the overlapping conditions.Bed bug bites are a type of skin reaction that people have after being bitten by bed bugs. It is common for individuals who have been bitten or scratched by these little blood sucking critters to develop red bumps or welts that are usually found in groups of three or four and appear during the night. This article will help you identify if it’s shingles or bed bug bites, as well as give some treatment options for each one.There is nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night and have a rash on your skin that looks like you have chicken pox that flares up and goes down by itself. You feel like you’re outside during the fall and know that people would swear that you had shingles because of the red streaks. The fact is, those rashes aren’t caused by shingles or chickenpox. Those rashes are actually called bed bug bites, but not everyone knows what they look like. So here’s a quick guide to help you distinguish between shingles and bed bug bites before your next doctor’s appointment.

Bed Bug Bites Or Shingles

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on blood and can be found in mattresses and bedding. They resemble ticks or a flea, though they do not jump like these two creatures do. Bed bugs also have six legs, rather than eight like most insects. Their color ranges from yellowish to reddish brown to nearly black; young bedbugs (nymphs) are translucent with only faint markings on their backs.

Bedbugs do not fly when disturbed but will run rapidly over floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces as they attempt to escape detection by their host (you). They may be detected by accumulated cast skins or fecal stains on mattresses or box springs where they reside (most often near the seams). If you believe you have seen a bedbug in your home it is important to confirm this by inspecting your mattress with an ultraviolet light before attempting treatment of your home with pesticides.

Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus lies dormant in your nerves for years after you’ve had chickenpox, and can reactivate later in life. Once reactivated it travels from nerve to nerve and causes a painful rash on one side of your body.

Shingles isn’t contagious, but it can cause lasting nerve pain.

Treatment for bed bug bites and shingles

• Shingles: Prescription antiviral medicines can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
• Bed Bug Bites: Topical creams may ease itching and pain. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, see a doctor.

Bites and rashes look similar

The single most distinguishing characteristic to look for is the distribution of the rash. The rash from shingles usually spreads across your torso, in a line from one side to another. In contrast, bed bug bites are more likely to appear randomly all over your body.

Bed bug bites can be itchy and painful, though they’re often mistaken for mosquito bites or other rashes due to their similarity in appearance. The itchiness tends to be worse at night when you’re sleeping—the bugs’ favorite time of day!

Bed bug bites and shingles both cause itchy rashes on your skin.

Bed bug bites and shingles both cause itchy rashes on your skin.

Bed bug bites and shingles are both itchy and can be painful.

Bed bug bites and shingles can both be treated with over-the-counter creams and ointments.