Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug symptoms are similar to bites from other insects, such as mosquitoes, which makes them tough to identify. According to an article on the website Bed Bug Info, there is a certain pattern bed bug bites make, and there are some symptoms for which to look. This is important as bed bugs could be overlooked as the cause due to the time lapse between when the bite occurs and when symptoms appear. In addition, many people are told the bites are allergic rashes or scabies. Therefore, specifically knowing what to look for when identifying bed bug bites will help prevent such errors.

The Pattern

• Bed bug bites often resemble little red bumps, similar to bites from other insects. However, bed bug bites have a certain pattern. They are often in a line of three or four little red bumps. Though it is possible for bed bug bites to be separate and appear just one at a time, they traditionally follow this linear pattern.

Red and Itchy

• One of the first symptoms of bed bug bites may be redness and itchiness on the skin. Some bed bug bites are red with a darker red spot in the middle. The common areas for bed bug bites are the arms, neck, face and shoulders. According to WebMD, bed bugs do not spread disease through their bites, but the itching can be so intense that breaks in the skin may be caused, resulting in the skin getting easily infected. Some people also suffer from allergic reactions from bed bug bites.

Bumps and Swelling

• Bumps or welts are typical symptom of bed bug bites. These bumps or welts can be small, flat or raised on the skin. Swelling commonly occurs from the itchiness of the bites. Symptoms of bed bug bites often seem to last longer than those from mosquitoes.