Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisSimilar ConditionsTreatmentNext in Bedbug Bites GuideSigns and Symptoms of Bedbug Bites
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Similar Conditions
Treatment
Next in Bedbug Bites Guide
Bedbugshave resurged worldwide and these blood-sucking insects (both theCimex lectulariusandCimex hemipterus) are a problem in many homes and hotels.Fortunately, bedbugs aren’t known to spread contagious diseases. However, it is difficult to eradicate an infestation and you will want to take steps to prevent bringing bedbugs home. Learn how to identify and treat these pests.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Bedbug Symptoms
Bedbug bites often appear as small, itchy, raised red areas on exposed skin, usually a few days after the actual bite.However, some children and adults don’t develop a reaction to the bites at all, even after repeated exposure.
The bites appear much like other insect bites and can be seen in these patterns:
You can develop a skin infection if you scratch the bites. Rarely, a more severe allergic reaction to the bites could produce larger welts, blisters, or anaphylaxis. Bedbugs may also triggerasthmaattacks and getting too many repeated bites could lead toanemia.Anxiety, insomnia, and sleep disturbances are common due to the stress of discovering bedbugs.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoBed bug bites on back.Joel Carillet / Getty Images Owner
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoBed Bug Bites.Joel Carillet / Getty Images
Bedbugs are tiny flightless insects that feed only on blood.They prefer humans but can feed on pets and farm animals. They feed at night and hide from light, especially in seams and crevices around the bed.
There is no direct link between poor sanitation and bedbug infestations. A pristinely clean living space is as vulnerable as a messy one.
Usually, sleeping in a place where multiple people have slept increases your risk. You might especially suspect bedbugs if you or your child:
1:35Click Play to Learn All About the Signs of Bedbug Bites
1:35
Click Play to Learn All About the Signs of Bedbug Bites
John Downer / Getty Images
You will often see their droppings instead, which are tiny brown or red specks. You may also see small blood stains on sheets or mattresses when a bedbug has been crushed after feeding.
Eggs about the same size as the adults might be seen in seams or cracks and you will also see their molted exoskeletons. There may also be a sweet musty odor from theirpheromones.
cerobit / Getty Images
How to Diagnose Bedbugs
Other potential sources of the skin reaction can include:
Treating bedbugsincludes caring for the bites and eliminating the infestation. The bites will heal naturally and nothing will speed that up. You can use over-the-counter products to relieve the itching but you may need a prescription if you develop a skin infection from scratching. Common treatments include:
Although treating bedbug bites isn’t difficult, actually getting rid of the bedbugs is another story. A professional exterminator can help.
In order to minimize your risk, you can:
How to Treat Bedbug Bites: Effective Remedies and Prevention Tips
A Word From Verywell
It is stressful and frustrating to deal with bedbugs, however, you are far from alone in managing this problem. Keep in mind that it is no reflection on how much care you take in cleaning your home or taking precautions when traveling. Be sure to care for yourself due to the stress that can result so you don’t lose too much sleep.
Signs and Symptoms of Bedbug Bites
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ennis AC, Pearson-Shaver AL.Bedbug bites. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Doggett SL, Dwyer DE, Peñas PF, Russell RC.Bed bugs: clinical relevance and control options.Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2012;25(1):164-192. doi:10.1128/CMR.05015-11Studdiford JS, Conniff KM, Trayes KP, Tully AS.Bedbug infestation.American Family Physician. 2012 Oct 1;86(7):653-658.Cimolai N, Cimolai TL.Otitis from the common bedbug.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(12):43‐45.Delaunay P.Human travel and traveling bedbugs.J Travel Med. 2012;19(6):373‐379. doi:10.1111/j.1708-8305.2012.00653.xGoddard J, deShazo R.Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and clinical consequences of their bites.JAMA. 2009;301(13):1358-1366. doi:10.1001/jama.2009.405Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bed bugs.American Academy of Dermatology.Bed bugs: diagnosis and treatment.Goddard J, de Shazo R.Psychological effects of bed bug attacks (Cimex lectularius L.).Am J Med. 2012;125(1):101‐103. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2011.08.010Additional ReadingUnited States Environmental Protection Agency.Do-it-yourself bed bug control.University of Minnesota Extension.Bed bugs.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ennis AC, Pearson-Shaver AL.Bedbug bites. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Doggett SL, Dwyer DE, Peñas PF, Russell RC.Bed bugs: clinical relevance and control options.Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2012;25(1):164-192. doi:10.1128/CMR.05015-11Studdiford JS, Conniff KM, Trayes KP, Tully AS.Bedbug infestation.American Family Physician. 2012 Oct 1;86(7):653-658.Cimolai N, Cimolai TL.Otitis from the common bedbug.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(12):43‐45.Delaunay P.Human travel and traveling bedbugs.J Travel Med. 2012;19(6):373‐379. doi:10.1111/j.1708-8305.2012.00653.xGoddard J, deShazo R.Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and clinical consequences of their bites.JAMA. 2009;301(13):1358-1366. doi:10.1001/jama.2009.405Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bed bugs.American Academy of Dermatology.Bed bugs: diagnosis and treatment.Goddard J, de Shazo R.Psychological effects of bed bug attacks (Cimex lectularius L.).Am J Med. 2012;125(1):101‐103. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2011.08.010Additional ReadingUnited States Environmental Protection Agency.Do-it-yourself bed bug control.University of Minnesota Extension.Bed bugs.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ennis AC, Pearson-Shaver AL.Bedbug bites. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Doggett SL, Dwyer DE, Peñas PF, Russell RC.Bed bugs: clinical relevance and control options.Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2012;25(1):164-192. doi:10.1128/CMR.05015-11Studdiford JS, Conniff KM, Trayes KP, Tully AS.Bedbug infestation.American Family Physician. 2012 Oct 1;86(7):653-658.Cimolai N, Cimolai TL.Otitis from the common bedbug.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(12):43‐45.Delaunay P.Human travel and traveling bedbugs.J Travel Med. 2012;19(6):373‐379. doi:10.1111/j.1708-8305.2012.00653.xGoddard J, deShazo R.Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and clinical consequences of their bites.JAMA. 2009;301(13):1358-1366. doi:10.1001/jama.2009.405Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bed bugs.American Academy of Dermatology.Bed bugs: diagnosis and treatment.Goddard J, de Shazo R.Psychological effects of bed bug attacks (Cimex lectularius L.).Am J Med. 2012;125(1):101‐103. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2011.08.010
Ennis AC, Pearson-Shaver AL.Bedbug bites. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Doggett SL, Dwyer DE, Peñas PF, Russell RC.Bed bugs: clinical relevance and control options.Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2012;25(1):164-192. doi:10.1128/CMR.05015-11
Studdiford JS, Conniff KM, Trayes KP, Tully AS.Bedbug infestation.American Family Physician. 2012 Oct 1;86(7):653-658.
Cimolai N, Cimolai TL.Otitis from the common bedbug.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(12):43‐45.
Delaunay P.Human travel and traveling bedbugs.J Travel Med. 2012;19(6):373‐379. doi:10.1111/j.1708-8305.2012.00653.x
Goddard J, deShazo R.Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and clinical consequences of their bites.JAMA. 2009;301(13):1358-1366. doi:10.1001/jama.2009.405
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bed bugs.
American Academy of Dermatology.Bed bugs: diagnosis and treatment.
Goddard J, de Shazo R.Psychological effects of bed bug attacks (Cimex lectularius L.).Am J Med. 2012;125(1):101‐103. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2011.08.010
United States Environmental Protection Agency.Do-it-yourself bed bug control.University of Minnesota Extension.Bed bugs.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.Do-it-yourself bed bug control.
University of Minnesota Extension.Bed bugs.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
