Identifying Bed Bug Bites

Bed bugs can bite anywhere on the body where there is skin. Typically, bites tend to occur on areas exposed during sleeping, such as:

• neck
• face
• hands
• shoulders
• arms
• legs

Many people do not feel the bite itself or develop clear symptoms other than the dots where the bug bit and some minor, surrounding inflammation and irritation. Others are considered hypersensitive to bites and develop more severe symptoms.

In most cases symptoms occur more or less immediately after the bite, but they can develop or progress over the following days as well. Without further irritation, symptoms typically resolve after a week or so.

Almost all bed bug bites will produce some degree of discomfort, typically itchiness and inflammation. Other signs and symptoms of bed bug bites include:

• a burning painful sensation
• a raised itchy bump with a clear center
• a red itchy bump with a dark center and lighter swollen surrounding area
• small red bumps or welts in a zigzag pattern or a line
• small red bumps surrounded by blisters or hives
• papular eruptions or areas of skin with raised or flat patches that may be inflamed
• small spots of blood from bites often dried or stained onto sheets or bed clothing
• reddish or reddish-brown dried stains on fabrics due to bed bug droppings
• white or clear skins, shed by the nymphs as they mature

Individual characteristics of the bug’s bite and the person who is bitten also influence the resulting sore.

While fairly rare, some people have or develop severe reactions and symptoms from bed bug bites. Serious symptoms that require medical attention include:

• difficulty breathing
• blisters
• fever
• feeling nauseous or flu-like
• swollen tongue
• irregular heartbeat

Living with bed bugs can cause additional health complications:

• Increased likelihood of infection: Due to the skin’s surface being compromised.
• Sleep deprivation: The idea of being fed on can be extremely stressful. Given that the bugs only feed at night, some people will avoid sleep or will only get fitful or restless sleep.
• Decreased wellbeing: A continual lack of sleep has been linked to feelings of depression, anxiety, general fatigue, and lowered immune function. The misconceptions surrounding bed bugs, especially the mistaken association with lack of cleanliness, can add to feelings of depression and low self-esteem.

Share on Pinterest

There are relatively few treatments options when it comes to uncomplicated bed bug bites.

The first recommended line of treatment involves cleaning the wound, ideally with soap and water.

For itchy bites, the following may relieve minor symptoms:

• over-the-counter hydrocortisone, which can be purchased online.
• anti-itch creams
• antihistamines

Most wounds heal on their own within a week, sometimes two.

If severe swelling, inflammation, or itchiness occurs or persists, a person should seek medical attention.

A dramatic immune response may be a sign of an allergic reaction. If this is the case, one of the following may need to be administered:

• an injectable corticosteroid
• antihistamine
• epinephrine medication

If infection occurs, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Severe itchiness may result in further complications, such as infection or scarring. If severe itching is experienced, people may be prescribed corticosteroid creams and antihistamine pills or liquid.