Getting bed bugs infesting your home is an incredibly stressful experience. They’re tiny and hard to spot, and each individual bed bug can lay eggs. So it’s possible that your home could be infested even if you don’t see any signs of bed bugs initially.
Bed bug bites are the most obvious sign that your home has been infested. But each bed bug only bites roughly once per week, so it can be easy to think the bed bug bite is from something else.
With that in mind, today we’re going to take a look at how to recognize the signs of bed bug bites so you can take action as soon as possible.
Intense Itching
The itching associated with bedbug bites is typically intense. Intense itching can lead to serious problems such as difficulty sleeping, skin infections, and even scarring.
When the skin is exposed to infectious materials, like bedbugs, the body releases histamines. These produce an inflammatory reaction that causes skin itching and burning. These can also lead to a sensation of swelling, making the bites appear to be even larger than they actually are.
Also, the irritation and scratching of the bites can cause wounds, which can become infected if not treated properly. As such, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent or eliminate the presence of bedbugs. This is to reduce their potential to cause discomfort and even serious health problems.
Burning Sensation
Bed bug bites can cause a variety of reactions in humans, ranging from a mild burning sensation to extreme localized reactions. The burning sensation is usually due to allergic reactions to the bed bug’s saliva. This includes an anticoagulant to help the bed bug feed on the host’s blood.
In some cases, the burning sensation is accompanied by swelling and intense itching of the affected area. Bedbug bites can also cause secondary infection when scratched. This is because bacteria from under fingernails can be spread to the area.
Consult your doctor if you experience burning sensations as a result of a bedbug bite. Also, try to contact this pest control company to prevent bed bugs from attacking you again.
Allergic Reaction
Common signs and symptoms of a bed bug bite include itching, inflammation, and raised welts on the skin. The reaction can range from mild to severe. But the degree of reaction largely depends on individual skin sensitivity.
In some cases, an allergic reaction to a bedbug bite can be very severe. This can even result in anaphylactic shock, a potentially life-threatening condition.
It is important to prevent further exposure to bed bugs to minimize allergic reactions. Maintain good hygiene and sanitation practices at home.
Swelling and Inflammation
Bedbug bites can cause swelling and inflammation around the area bitten. Symptoms of an infestation may include red, itchy skin around the bite and reddish-brown staining or darkening of the skin. These can eventually become boggy and lead to considerable swelling.
Also, if the bites become infected, there could be yellow or green pus that accompanies the site of a bite. Swelling and inflammation are common side effects of bedbug bites and should be monitored carefully, especially if swelling persists for more than two days.
People suffering from bedbug infestations should consult a doctor for proper medical treatment.
Difficulty Breathing
Bedbug bites can cause many unpleasant effects, and one is difficulty breathing. Symptoms like chest tightness, wheezing, or difficulty catching one’s breath may occur, especially if an allergic reaction to the bite develops.
If this happens, a doctor should be consulted immediately, as the reaction can be triggered by the bite itself or by the cumulative effects of multiple bites. Long-term health effects from bedbug bites can be serious, making prompt medical care important.
In some cases, people may develop further respiratory issues that may lead to chronic illnesses, particularly if an allergy has been triggered. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat any bedbug problem immediately before longer-term health effects can occur.
Nausea
Nausea caused by bedbug bites may occur shortly after the bite or start to appear after several hours. Symptoms of nausea worth noting include abdominal discomfort, headache, lightheadedness, and dizziness.
Nausea can be compounded if bedbugs have been living in a mattress, pillow, or other furniture. The nesting area often contains prolonged exposure to body fluids, fecal matter, and other waste.
If a person experiences nausea after being bitten by a bedbug, it is best to seek medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Non-prescription antihistamines can be taken and may help reduce nausea symptoms and other reactions to the bite.
Paranoia, Anxiety, and Insomnia
People may be too uncomfortable to sleep due to the itching and pain. The feeling of being itchy can also cause discomfort and make it harder to relax enough to fall asleep. Regular scratching of bites can cause inflammation and further discomfort.
Bedbug bites can also lead to anxiety as people fear for their health and the health of their families. Anxiety may cause further insomnia as people may be too keyed up to relax and fall asleep. Bedbugs have also been linked to depression.
The feeling of being unable to sleep can further increase depressive feelings, leading to more insomnia. Bedbug bites can ultimately lead to long-term insomnia, which can have serious consequences on one’s physical and mental health.
Anemia
Prolonged bed bug infestations can cause anemia in some individuals as a result of chronic blood loss. Symptoms of anemia caused by bedbug bites include fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat.
If an individual with anemia caused by bedbug bites does not receive treatment quickly, their health can rapidly deteriorate. Bedbugs can also transmit several diseases, such as Bartonellosis, to humans.
Treatment for bedbug infestations usually involves insecticides and vacuum cleaning, but medical attention may be necessary in severe cases of anemia caused by bedbug bites.
Easy-to-Spot Signs of Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites can be itchy and uncomfortable, but identifying the signs of bed bug bites can help you determine the cause quickly. Knowing these signs and the signs of a bed bug infestation is key to quickly ending the situation.
Whether you detect a bite or an infestation, act quickly to restore your sleep environment to a safe, sanitary state. Get professional help today and start sleeping easy!
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