Bed Bug Bites Symptoms

Bed Bug Bites Symptoms

Bed bugs are one of the most annoying pests in urban dwelling that has the potential to disturb the life of the individual.  Studies suggest that the bed bugs have about twenty-eight different microorganisms. However, they do not transmit any disease among the humans, animals or the birds. Nevertheless, bed bug bites are a source of major concern as they pose a number of health risks that affect the physical as well the emotional life of the victim.

How does one get the bed bug bite symptom?

The bed bugs look for warm blood of humans, animals and birds. They primarily stay or hide close to its food supply. They strike the victim during the sleeping hours to devour a blood meal. A very distinct feature about a bed bug bite is the linear fashion in which a beg bug bites. Normally, the bites are seen in a row.

Modus Operandi

The bed bug uses its beaks for multiple purposes while feeding. It uses one of them to inject saliva into the skin. This temporarily numbs the site while the bed bug can complete the process of withdrawing the blood using the other beak. Due to the anti-coagulation agent present in its saliva, the victim does not feel the pain during the process of the bite. However, this agent is also one of the prime sources to trigger various allergic reactions from the host. The bedbugs can bite all over the body, but mainly attack the face, arms, legs, neck, back of the humans. The whole process takes about eight to ten minutes to complete. The bed bug returns to its shelter quickly once it completes the meal.

What are the allergic reactions of a bed bug bite?

The salivary allergens cause an allergic response from the host.  The reaction varies depending on the immune system of the individual.  A bed bug bite typically includes symptoms such as

-          Red bumpy prickly skin

-          Minor swelling up to 20cms in diameter

-          Inflammation

The symptoms are often misdiagnosed as a mosquito or a flea bite. A bed bug bite has a distinguished pattern of biting in a row and does not have a red dot at the center.  Extreme allergic reaction or continuous bites can cause a skin rash along with an inflammation. A bed bug bite reaction also kicks off anaphylactic shock in some victims. Scratching of the bite causes secondary skin and other infections throughout the body.

Visit the Doctor

Skin rashes often disappear within few days, if the rash is left unscratched. Visit a doctor if the rashes pose other difficulties, such as secondary infections.

How long does the allergic-response last?

The allergic reactions triggered by the salivary allergens remain for few days up to few weeks. The process of healing depends on the immune system and the severity of the symptom in the victim. Suspect an infection if the symptoms remain for more than three weeks. It may require medical guidance and intervention to cure the rash completely.