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) , 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.
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
Clustered as three in a row on the chest, arms or legs
Bed bug bites are often mistaken for mosquito bites, flea bites, or skin rashes such as hives. Having a board-certified dermatologist identify the bumps helps facilitate the correct treatment and speeds up the process of getting rid of the bugs, which sometimes requires hiring a pest control company.
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 may 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.
Request a consultation with a skin specialist today.
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