A bed bug bite is often painless at first, then appears 1 to 2 hours later as an itchy red bump. Generally, there are three to four bites in a row or grouped together.
Eradicated in the 1950s, bedbugs (Cimex Lectularius) are found in many living spaces, such as hotels, homes, offices or cinemas. “These bugs are very primitive : at night, when everyone is sleeping, they suddenly come out and come to bite us And suck our blood“, explains Stéphane Gayet, infectious disease specialist. If we do not feel them, it is because at the time of the sting, they inject their saliva who has power anesthetic and anticoagulant. But 1 to 2 hours later itching and red marks appear on the skin a bit like a mosquito bite.
“Bed bug bites look like bloody red bumpswhich can itch, but are most often painless., describes the specialist. In general, all bites are grouped at the same location. We generally find three to four bites, often in a row or grouped together in the same place on the skin. The bites are generally localized on uncovered parts of arms, legs and back. The reaction on the skin depends on the sensitivity of the individual:
- Some people don’t even know they have been bitten and will not see any bites
- For some, the bites disappear after a few hours or even a few days without treatment.
- For others, they manifest themselves as a more or less localized allergic reactionwith itchy bright red blisters that are quite painful and can develop into a generalized reaction.
Photo of bed bug bites
Does a bedbug bite itch?
Yes. Bed bug bites are often painless at the time of the bite. But 1 to 2 hours later itching and red marks appear on the skin like a mosquito bite. In people who are allergic to histaminea substance released by bedbugs, they can cause unbearable itching, inflammation, even edema or respiratory problems. If we do nothing, bedbugs will multiply and there will be more and more bites.
What is the difference between a bedbug and a mosquito bite?
Bedbug bites can be confused with mosquito bites. The difference is that a mosquito bite appears instantly on the skin while a bedbug bite usually appears an hour later. Also, mosquito bites are often isolated while bedbug bites come in groups of 3-4.
Why and when do bedbugs bite?
Bedbugs feed on human blood, which is why they bite men. Through its saliva, it injects analgesic products, anticoagulants and vasodilators, thus making the injection easier. They sting only at night.
Can you be stung several times or just once?
Bites usually come through three or four on the same area of skin and, often, on uncovered areas of the body (arm, leg, back). They appear grouped or aligned. Additionally, a bedbug that was disturbed during its bite will bite again. They can sting up to 90 times in a single night!
How long does a bedbug bite last?
Generally speaking, pimples occur around 10 to 30 minutes after the bedbug bite. The pimple from the bed bug bite remains between 3 to 5 days sometimes up to 10 days.
What diseases can a bedbug bite cause?
They are mainly known for the dermatological and allergic effects they cause, ranging from simple stings to generalized manifestations that can resemble hives. A person’s sensitivity may increase if the number of bites increases. In the event of a severe infestation, bed bugs can also be a source of various psychological disorders, and even anemia. On the other hand, it is recognized that bedbugs are not not effective virus transmitters, and that no disease is directly linked to them. The biggest problem is not disease transmission, but is risk of infections : “If you scratch too much, you can get a staphylococcus infection, for example.”, explains the infectious disease specialist. In case of allergies, you should consult your doctor to be prescribed a cream or antihistamines.
How to treat a bedbug bite?
“No specific treatment for humans is indicated against bedbug bitesexplains Tina Géréral, Pharmacist. It’s important to clean the wound well and avoid scratching to limit the risk of secondary infection. If you suffer from persistent itching, consult your doctor who can help. prescribe a cream to relieve you. It is always best not to scratch so as not to over-infect the lesions. Then you have to change the sheets, look for droppings in the sheets, under the mattress or under the box spring, to identify the infection. If you are certain that it is bedbugs, you must treat the home. Specialized companies can intervene and use toxic sprays or fumigators.
► Bed linen and clothing must be vacuumed, washed at high temperature (60° or more) and the mattress, curtains and carpets steam cleaned at more than 120°.
► When possible, freeze goods (especially children’s cuddly toys) for 72 hours at -20°C. Bedbugs are not resistant to extreme temperatures, recommends the pharmacist.
Thanks to Tina Géréral, pharmacist and Stéphane Gayet, infectious disease specialist.