The early signs of bed bug bites on your skin are red, itchy bites in clusters or lines. These bites are small, red welts and raised. Some people even experience localized swelling around the bite marks.
In the morning, you will find these signs in exposed areas, such as arms, shoulders, neck, face, and legs. Their bites are painless but may cause itching. Intense itching may lead to allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in some people with sensitive skin conditions.
However, these bites do not have any central puncture marks like mosquito or flea bites, making them harder to differentiate from other types of insect bites. That’s why you should look for other signs, such as dark fecal spots on bedding or mattresses, shed skins, musty odor, or live bed bugs, to be sure about the infestation. Apply DIY or hire professionals to get rid of this disturbing problem.
5 Common Skin Early Signs of Bed Bugs
- Red, Itchy Bites
A major signs of bedbug bites are red, small, and raised welts or bumps on the skin, which will be itchy. These bedbug bites often appear in lines or clusters. Severe itching is uncommon to people unless you have some allergic problems.
- No Central Puncture Mark
Bed bug bites lack a visible puncture wound in the center. This no-puncture mark makes the bites different from flea bites, mosquito bites, spider bites, or other insect bites.
- Localized Swelling
Mild swelling around the bite marks or even developing small blisters (fluid-filled bumps) are common to some individuals due to bed bug bite reactions.
- Skin Irritation, Rash, Blisters or Vesicles (Rare)
Skin infections, itchy spots, small fluid-filled blisters, or even rash may develop near the bite areas in some sensitive individuals. The rash may spread to other skin areas if scratched excessively. But this is rare, and people may experience it after hours.
- Lack of Pain and bleeding
Bed bug bites are painless and free from bleeding, unlike flea bites. These bed bugs inject an anticoagulant to numb the area to stop bleeding so that they can feed blood without letting you know.
Bite Location: Where to look for to find the signs
The bite marks of these parasite insects will be visible in exposed areas, such as:
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Neck
- Face
- Legs
Complications of Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites are painless and free from infection or reactions. However, it has some major complications, and only experienced people can understand the pain.
- You may experience difficulty sleeping due to fear, intense itching, and constant bites in different body parts.
- Severe itching and potential skin infections in some individuals.
- Excessive scratching may lead to secondary infections.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bug Bite Signs on Your Skin
Look for Other Signs for Clarification
Bites are not the only signs of bed bugs. You must be sure about their presence before you check your bedding, furniture, mattress seams, bed frames, electrical outlets, and other hiding spots for dark spots, blood spots, fecal spots, reddish stains, eggs, and other signs of infestation.
Care for Your Skin
Do not scratch much if you have an allergy since it may spread the itching. Use anti-itch cream or lotion to prevent itching. Take medical professional help in case of emergencies.
Should You See a Doctor If You See Bed Bug Bites on Skin?
Bed bug bites do not generally require any medical attention. However, it is better to get emergency care if you have severe reactions or if the symptoms worsen.
Apply DIY for Minor Infestation
Apply hot or soap water to kill the bed bugs and their eggs. Vacuum the area properly. Wash the washable parts and use bed bug-proof mattress encasements.
Call a Professional to Eradicate the Bed Bugs
If you have a severe bed bug infestation, call a pest control company. They can easily find and permanently kill the bugs from their hiding spots. In Singapore, Termite Specialists cover you up. As a leading pest control company in Singapore, we provide effective bed bugs examination so that you can identify and take necessary steps to eliminate them. We also provide effective pest control solutions including ants, booklice, cockroaches, rodents, and mosquitoes for both residential and commercial areas.
What to Do If You Have No Signs of Bed Bugs but Have Bites on Skin
Inspect the areas for signs of bed bug activity. If you do not find any signs of infestation, consider other possible causes, such as mosquito bites or autoimmune skin conditions.
