Think you’ve been bitten by a bed bug, or several bed bugs? How do you know for sure? It can be tricky. One reason it’s so hard to confirm a bed bug bite is that you didn’t feel the bite when you get it, while in bed. That’s because when a bed bug bites you, you don’t feel it right away. Bed Bugs actually excrete tiny amounts of anesthetic before feeding on you as you sleep. They’re absolutely diabolical! By the time you wake up in the morning, the little critters are long gone. And they only need to feed once a week, so you may not see them for a while. Another reason is that it usually takes a few days for signs of bed bug bites to show on your skin. And for some, who have no reaction to the bites, the only sign will be the tiny blood stains on the sheets.
Here are some facts about bed bug bites to help you find out just what’s eating you.
Is a bed bug bite painful? As I mentioned earlier, you don’t feel the bit itself. It’s usually only after a few days that the bite tends to become itchy, and may even cause a burning sensation. Try not to scratch the bite as it can cause it to bleed or become infected.
What does a bed bug bite or rash look like? Bed bug bites can show up in several different ways. For up to 30% of people, there’s no reaction at all. For the rest, bites may appear as small red dots or welts – in groups or squiggly lines. When there are frequent bites, they can look like a very angry rash.
Over time, you can become increasingly sensitive to bed bug bites. That means your reaction can increase in intensity the more often you’re bitten.
What’s the best treatment for a bed bug bite? In two to three weeks, a typical bed bug bite will get better on its own without treatment. But, if your bite is uncomfortable, you can do several things to help:
Anti-itch cream or calamine lotion will stop the itch
An oral antihistamine will reduce itching and burning
An over-the-counter pain reliever will help with swelling and pain
In rare cases, bed bug bites have been known to cause cellulitis – a serious bacterial infection of the skin. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-cellulitis To reduce the risk of an infection, you’ll need to wash bites with soap and water and try not to scratch them. Of course, should you develop a severe reaction, don’t mess around, visit your doctor.
Are Bed Bugs Keeping You Awake? A bed bug infestation that persists can actually keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. The mere thought can cause anxiety. Additionally, clusters of bites and increased sensitivity can make you uncomfortable, disrupting your sleep and leading to insomnia.
Think You May Have Bed Bugs? Bed bugs are sneaky, hard to find and won’t go away on their own. For those reasons, and for your health, if you suspect you have bed bugs, call a professional. An infestation can happen to anyone at any time. You don’t have to live with bed bugs or their bites.
A few bites. Subtle marks almost undistinguishable from a rash.
If you have any questions about bed bug bites, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
Have a wonderful day,
Rick