Did you wake up with three red, itchy bumps on your legs this morning? If so, you might be looking at the “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern of bed bug bites. So, why didn’t you feel them biting you? Bed bugs release a small amount of natural anesthetic, causing a painless but effective bite. How can you know for sure that a bite is from a bed bug?

How Do You Know if a Bite is from a Bed Bug?

It might take a few days for the swollen, red bumps to appear after the initial bite. Around 30% to 60% of people never experience the swelling, itching, and redness others notice. However, when symptoms of a bed bug bite do present, they usually occur in a line, close together. They’re swollen and red, featuring a dark spot in the center of the bite site.

You may also notice blood stains on your sheets from scratching while you’re sleeping or from rolling over on the bloodsuckers at night, scratching them.

Where Do Bed Bugs Bite?

Bed bugs will bite any part of the body, but it’s more common for blisters to appear on the legs. If you wear pajamas when you sleep, you might notice blisters along the clothing line on your skin.

Will Bed Bugs Bite Me Every Night?

Bed bugs don’t ravage your body every night. They feed when they’re hungry and might take several days or weeks between dining sessions.

While that might sound like a good thing, the drawback is it makes it more challenging to spot the bites and notice the signs of bed bugs. With females laying eggs every three to four days, this allows for bed bug infestations to spread fairly quickly.

How To Treat Bed Bug Bites

Most bed bug bites that remain unopened heal in around a week or two without the need for medical attention. However, you can use the following strategies to fast-track your healing time from bed bugs.

  • Take an oral antihistamine medication to reduce swelling and itching.
  • Use an OTC steroid ointment to decrease itching and inflammation.
  • Use an OTC pain medication.
  • Take a dose of Benadryl before sleeping to decrease itching, or ask your doctor for a prescription.

Additionally, you can try one of the following home remedies to treat bug bites.

  • A paste of baking soda and water spread on the bite site.
  • A cold compress relieves swelling and itching.

Can Bed Bug Bites Cause Infections and Allergic Reactions?

While instances are rare, there are some reported cases of allergic responses to bed bug bites. Some known reactions to bed bug bites include asthma, hives, asthma, and anaphylaxis. Scratching and opening the bites may cause infection and the development of folliculitis, impetigo, or cellulitis.

Wash the bites with an antiseptic solution or use a topical cream to reduce infection risk. Above all, try not to scratch the bites. Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following reactions after seeing bed bug bites.

  • Multiple outbreaks of hives
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Swelling in your mouth or throat
  • Fever and chills
  • Dizziness or confusion

What are the Risk Factors for Attracting Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs can move into any area or dwelling. In many cases, you’ll bring them back home with you unawares. They could clamber onto your clothing on a public bus seat or while you’re at the cinema watching a movie as well.

Bed bugs are common in establishments with higher client turnover, such as hotel rooms and motels, homeless shelters, college dorms, military barracks, or offices.

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs aren’t attracted to dirty dwellings; they end up there and spread because of the lower maintenance and attention in these places. Always check used furniture for bed bugs before bringing it into your home.

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