Reactions to Bed Bugs

Prior to World War II, bed bugs were a common pest in homes throughout the United States. After the war, the widespread use of insecticides like DDT killed off a significant amount of the bed bug population. In recent years, insecticide use has declined and bed bugs are making a comeback. Bed bugs are commonly found inside mattresses, and can be difficult to spot. If you have noticed that you are having some odd reactions and think they may be due to something in your bed, compare your symptoms with some common reactions to bed bugs.

Small Bumps

• Bed bugs typically leave small red bumps at the site of their bites, usually in rows or groups of three or more. The bumps can be flat or swollen, and do not have a red dot in the center like flea bites. It is uncommon to receive a single bed bug bite; bed bugs usually leave three or more bite marks for each feeding. These marks can take weeks to go away.

Infection

• Bed bug bite marks are accompanied by severe itching, and if the affected skin is scratched it may become infected and require an oral antibiotic. If the skin becomes severely infected, it may leave scars once healed.

Nausea

• Some people may experience nausea following bed bug bites.

Allergic Reaction

• The more bedbug bites a person receives, the more allergic they become to bedbug saliva. The skin of a person who has previously been bitten by bedbugs is more likely to become inflamed and itchy at the site of the bite. If the bedbug infestation continues for a prolonged period, the reaction could become intense, with intensely itchy red welts.

No Reaction

• Approximately 50 percent of people bitten by bed bugs do not exhibit any symptoms, and are not even aware they have been bitten.