Bed Bugs

Nearly 1 in 5
households
experience a bed bug problem
It can take
1 hour for people
with sensitive skin to see bed bug bites
For those without sensitive skin,
it can take
2 weeks to notice red, itchy bumps
One of the main signs
of bed bugs is
in a row 3 red bumps

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are blood-feeding insects. Adult bugs measure approximately 1/5 of an inch (about the size of an apple seed) and are red/brown in color and wingless. Nymphs, or young bed bugs, are translucent or white/yellow and are nearly invisible to the naked eye.

Bed bugs are usually nocturnal and prefer a dark, warm location, like the type found in or near beds. At night, they come out of cracks in furniture and mattresses and feed on humans by biting them.

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How do bed bugs get into my home?

Bed bugs are drawn to warm, dark places, so they are often transported in luggage, folded clothes, and used furniture. People who travel frequently and sleep in hotels are more prone to bring bed bugs home with them without even knowing.

How to recognize bed bug bites

When bed bugs first bite, they inject an anesthetic that prevents a person from feeling it. People without sensitive skin don’t even notice the bites for several days, while those with sensitive skin might see reddening and feel irritation of the skin within hours.

Typically, bed bug bites are:

  • Small, less than ¼” in size per bite
  • Flat or slightly elevated and red/li>
  • Clustered as three in a row on the chest, arms or legs /li>

Complications from bed bug bites

Bed bugs do not spread disease, but scratching the intense itch they cause can lead to infection. And although rare, some patients are allergic to bed bug bites. They may experience enlarged bite marks, painful swelling of the bumps, and on rare occasion, anaphylaxis.

If you have signs of a skin infection or are having an allergic reaction, it’s important to see your Forefront provider right away for treatment.

Treatment options for bed bug bites

Because bed bugs pose no serious medical threat, treatment typically involves using topical anti-itch creams that contain hydrocortisone, and an oral antihistamine to control the itching.

If you develop an infection from scratching, your provider will probably prescribe an antibiotic. If you have an allergic reaction to the bites, a topical steroid cream as well as an antihistamine may be needed.

Who can treat bed bug bites?

Forefront dermatologists are experienced in treating all skin conditions, including bed bug bites. If you have red, itchy bumps and want relief, find a Forefront location near you now.

Interested in Bed Bugs? Request a consultation with a skin specialist today.

*Treatment options may vary at each location.
Please confirm your desired treatment is offered at your preferred location when scheduling. *Age Restriction.
For patients scheduling who are under 18 years of age (19 in Alabama and Nebraska) please make sure you have permission from your parent or legal guardian to schedule this appointment.  Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you on your initial visit and on certain subsequent visits to provide appropriate informed consent.

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