Bedbugs are small, reddish brown, oval and flat insects that hide in cracks and crevices of beds, box springs, headboards and bed frames, states the Mayo Clinic. These insects bite sleeping humans and cause skin irritation. Bedbugs are most common in apartment complexes, dorms, homeless shelters, hotels and other areas of high occupancy. Symptoms of bedbug bites are commonly treated with topical creams or oral antihistamines. Professional extermination may be required to get rid of bedbugs. Patients should recognize and treat symptoms of bedbug bites to prevent further complications.
Redness
Bedbug bites create a distinct rash that distinguishes these insect bites from the bites of other insects. According to the Mayo Clinic, bedbug bites are red but have a darker red spot in the middle. Redness occurs because of damage to the skin caused by the bug bite. In addition, the immune system releases chemical signals that can further increase redness in the area of the bites. A patients who sustains bedbug bites will commonly notice red spots on the face, neck, arms and hands. He should take note of the locations of the red spots to make sure new ones are not appearing each morning.
Itching
In addition to redness, bedbug bites are often itchy, states the Mayo Clinic, because the immune system releases chemical signals in response to bedbug bites that can lead to itching. Patients with bites should avoid scratching to prevent the development of open sores that bacteria can enter. A 1% hydrocortisone cream or oral diphenhydramine can be used to treat this symptom. A patient should seek medical treatment if red spots become larger or painful.
Blisters
In more severe cases, bedbug bites can cause an allergic reaction consisting of severe blisters, itching and hives, states the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms are signs of serious cases that requires prompt medical treatment. Medline Plus recommends that a patient call 911 if he experiences trouble breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, swelling on the face or in the mouth, throat tightness or difficulty swallowing or weakness or begins to turn blue. Furthermore, those who carry emergency epinephrine should use it.
