This article outlines the differences between bed bug bites and scabies. This is a contentious topic as everyone wants to know if they have bed bugs on their skin when scratching but due to the size and shape of the insect people mistake many other skin problems for bed bug bites or scratches. Bite marks are one of the major signs of scabies infestation. Your skin may develop lesions or red bumps as well. It is important to know the difference between a bed bug bite and a scabies rash. Bed bugs and scabies both affect people sleeping in close quarters with others, but they are very different types of infections with different methods of transmitting them to their next host. Bedbugs are the new scabies. Both bugs are annoying and, for some of us, can be rather difficult to get rid of. Many people out there use treatments that work for both scabies and bedbug bites. However, a lot of people don’t know how to tell the difference between these two pests. Since this one will actually point out the differences, I will focus on that in this article.
Bed Bug Bite Vs Scabies
Bed Bug Bite
Bed bug bites are usually in a line, and they can be multiple rows of bites. When you have bed bug bites, you often get them in a row because the bed bugs will bite several times in a row. They also tend to be small and flat rather than large and raised like scabies rashes. Bed bugs generally live within mattresses or any other crevice which makes it harder to see the actual insect when it is feeding on your skin and blood supply.
Appearance
We’re not going to lie: bed bug bites are pretty gross. The bites themselves are red spots and can be itchy, but they’re usually small in size. However, if you notice that your bites have gotten bigger or more frequent (or if you find one of their discarded shells), those could be a sign of bedbugs.
Scabies mites can also cause raised red bumps on the skin that may itch like crazy when touched. The difference between scabies and bedbug bites is that scabies mites lay eggs on the skin; these will eventually hatch into larvae which burrow under your skin as they mature into adults.
Because of this mechanism for infestation, getting rid of these pests can be difficult—but not impossible! Here’s how to get rid of them:
Reaction Times
The one thing that can help you tell the difference between a bed bug bite and scabies is the reaction times. A bed bug bite usually appears within a day or two of being bitten, while scabies mites live on your skin and take longer to go through their life cycle. This means that if you have been itching for more than a week and still have no rash, it’s probably not scabies.
Pain And Itchiness
A bed bug bite is usually not painful. However, they are able to cause irritation and redness in the skin around where they have bitten. Scabies bites are extremely itchy and can also become inflamed, especially if you scratch them too much or too often.
Scabies
Scabies, or scabietic mange, is a skin condition caused by a mite. The mite’s eggs and adult stages live in the top layer of your skin. You can get scabies if you have close contact with someone who already has it.
Itching and a pimple-like rash are common symptoms of scabies. The rash usually appears on the hands and feet, but it will eventually spread to other parts of your body as well. Treatment involves using a lotion that kills the mites that cause these symptoms on their own or taking medication prescribed by your doctor
It can be tough to tell the difference between a bed bug bite and a scabies mite bite but there are some clues.
It can be tough to tell the difference between a bed bug bite and a scabies mite bite but there are some clues.
Bed bugs leave a cluster of bites, with each one appearing like a red, swollen bump on the skin. Bed bug bites are typically painless and can take up to 14 days after you’ve been bitten for them to show up. Scabies mites cause an itchy rash that looks like tiny blisters or pimples on your skin. If you suspect that you have either one of these pests, contact us for help!