Signs of Bed Bug Bites - Symptoms And Treatment

Hi, I'm dr. Jorge, medical advisor for the National Pest Management Association. Today I'm going to talk about bed bugs and what you should know about the bites that this pest leaves behind.

I often hear patients who think they have been bitten by a bedbug and want to know if they should be concerned. Although bedbugs were once rare in the United States, they have made a comeback and are now widespread throughout the United States and the world, so it is important to know how these pests can affect our health.



Bedbugs feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded hosts, they tend to be most active at night because they are attracted to the steady stream of carbon dioxide we admit while we sleep.



Bed bug bites are painless because the bugs inject an anticoagulant or blood thinner along with an anesthetic to create a numbing effect as they feed. Feeding usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.




If you are bitten by a bedbug the most common thread is from the bite itself which can turn into a large raised itchy welt and if the welts are scratched they can become infected. People are more likely to have an exaggerated skin reaction if they are repeatedly bitten because the skin becomes sensitized to the bites.

Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites

Everyone reacts differently to bed bug bites in fact, as many as 30% of people do not have any reaction at all and may not even realize that they were bitten. For those people who do have a reaction the bites can range from a tiny puncture wound to large red raised Wealth's. The bites usually are noticed upon awakening though in some cases the reaction may take up to two weeks to develop.

Bed Bugs are often lined up in a row on the skin and are typically on exposed areas such as the face, neck, hands, legs, or arms. These bites can take as long as 3 to 6 weeks to fully heal. If an infestation is present new bites may accumulate even as the older ones disappear so there may be bike reactions in various stages of evolution at the same time. Progressive swelling warmth tenderness and in rare cases fever may be symptoms of secondary infection.

Bed Bug Bites Treatment

Bedbug bites do not typically require treatment. Itching is by far the most common complaint by those who experience bedbug bites. If itching becomes severe people will find relief with topical steroid creams or oral antihistamines. Clean the bite sites with soap and water and avoid scratching to prevent infection if a secondary infection occurs consult your physician so we can be managed with antibiotics as appropriate. Bedbug bites can look very similar to other insect bites so it's important to see your doctor to confirm if the bites are from bedbugs or something else. You can work with the qualified pest professional to confirm if an infestation is present in your home thanks for watching this episode of health checks that's all the time we have for today for more information on bedbugs visit pestsworld.org.