Bed bugs are little creatures from the insect family Cimicidae. MedicineNet describes bed bugs as small, flat bugs that can be mistaken for ticks or tiny roaches. Bed bugs were once common in the United States before World War II, but the use of certain pesticides almost eradicated the tiny pest. Bed bugs are found most often in the bedding material of homes, which is where their name comes from. They can also be found in curtains and soft wooden areas of the home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that bed bugs can be found everywhere around the world.
Red Bite with a Darker Spot in the Middle
The initial bite can go unnoticed. After being bitten by a bed bug, the bite area can become itchy and begin to swell. Once it swells, it will turn red with a darker color in the center of the bite mark. Antihistamines can be taken to control the urge to itch. If the bite areas do become infected because of scratching them, a round of antibiotics will be used to treat the infection.
Bite Areas that are Arranged in a Row or Cluster
The way to tell if the bites are from bed bugs and not a different bug is the way the bites are clustered together. Bed bugs will feed in a sequence on any part of the body that is exposed. The bite marks are usually lined up in a row and are referred to as the breakfast, lunch, and dinner sign. These clusters of bite marks are usually found on the neck, the arms, and the legs of the body. Certain skin creams can be used to lessen the irritation from the bites.
Allergic Reactions
While allergic reaction is not present in all cases, the Mayo Clinic says that there are some people who will have a severe allergic reaction to bed bug bites. This reaction can include severe, intense itching that occurs all over the body. Blisters can develop anywhere on the body after a single bite.
Hives can also develop anywhere on the body during an allergic reaction. The best way to counteract an allergic reaction to bed bugs is by taking an antihistamine at the first sign. In the case of anaphylaxis, a person must be treated in a medical environment.
