Bed Bugs can be found in clothing, furniture, bedding, carpets and many other places. These insects are the most active during the evening times, which means you’re most likely to be bitten by one when you’re sleeping. You might be wondering how to check for bed bug bites. Read on to learn more about checking for bed bug bites.
Signs & Symptoms Of Bites
Before bedbugs bite people, they excrete anesthetic. Since it’s only a small amount of anesthetic, you won’t feel anything when you’re but one. In fact, in many cases, you won’t experience any symptoms of bites until a few days have passed.
You’ll want to check for signs and symptoms of a bite. There are several you’ll want to keep an eye out for. The most common include:
- Spots – Inspect your body for spots. Bed bug bites tend to leave a dark spot at the centre of the bite. If the area is swollen and red, as well as dark in the center, then this could be a bedbug bite. Bed Bugs can leave you with multiple bites or just a handful of bites, but this depends on how bad the bedbug infestation is.
- Bite Pattern – Sometimes, bed bug bites can resemble other types of insect bites or skin conditions, such as hives. In many instances, the bites will be arranged in patterns such as a straight line, or they will appear as clusters. If the bites have been grouped together, then this will probably be the first symptom of a bite you notice.
- Itchiness & Burning – Another common symptom associated with bites from bedbugs is itchiness and burning. Even if you don’t scratch the affected area, a burning sensation might still be felt. If the affected area is itchy and burning, and you’re experiencing other symptoms, then there is a good chance you were bitten by bedbugs.
- Blisters – Although not too common, another sign to check for are blisters. These blisters could be filled with fluids and, in some cases, be slightly painful. If you do have blisters, do not attempt to pop them because this might put you at risk for an infection.
- Blood stains are another sign to check for. When bed bugs bite, they can sometimes leave blood stains on the sheets or in the area where you’ve been sleeping. Inspect the immediate area where you’ve slept, and if there are small blood stains, then this could mean you have been bit by bugs.
Those are a few things to check for when determining if you have bedbug bites. It’s important to note that you might only experience one or several of the above signs and symptoms. Sometimes checking for bed bug bites can be difficult, but the more you do it, the easier it’ll become to identify bites from bedbugs.
Allergic Reactions & Infections
In very rare cases, bedbug bites can cause an allergic reaction. If you’re experiencing certain allergic reactions and you have visible signs of bites, then the chances are you have been bit. Common allergic reactions from bites include a breakout of hives and asthma-like symptoms. In very rare instances, anaphylaxis can occur.
If you constantly scratch the bites, then you could end up with a secondary infection. This includes folliculitis and impetigo. Cellulitis can also occur, but this is also only in rare cases.
It’s important to see a doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to a bite or if you’ve developed an infection. You’d want to seek medical care if you discovered you’ve been bit and have developed symptoms such as wheezing, multiple hives or breathing problems. If you’re experiencing confusion, fevers, chills or swelling of the mouth or throat, then you’ll want to seek medical care.
Treating Bites
The good news is bites from bedbugs tend to go away on their own. It can take about a week or two for signs and symptoms to disappear. However, there are a few things you can do if you feel the treatment is needed. You can do the following:
- Place something cool on the bites. This can be a damp cloth or an icepack. This can reduce itchiness, as well as reduce any swelling in the area. Make sure whatever you use is clean, and make sure to wash the cloth before you reuse it or use a new one.
- Keep the area as clean as possible. If the affected area is not kept clean, then this could prolong symptoms or make things worse. Simply wash the area a few times per day, and you should be fine.
- Do not scratch the affected areas. If you excessively scratch your bites, then this could lead to an infection. If an infection arises, then you could end up needing antibiotics or medicine to treat or get rid of it.
If the symptoms don’t resolve with the above treatment methods or if you feel it is necessary, then you can use a steroid cream to reduce itching and inflammation. An oral antihistamine can also be used to reduce burning and itching. If you’re experiencing pain and swelling, then consider using an over-the-counter pain reliever.
All you have to do now is keep the previously discussed tips in mind when checking for bedbug bites. If you are confident you have bed bugs, then you should take steps to get rid of them. Remember, you can take preventative measures if you currently don’t have a bedbug problem.
