Daily Archives: July 21, 2016

Bedbug bites: When bedbugs bite, you often see clusters of bites. Each cluster usually contains 3 to 5 bites that appear in a zigzag pattern. How do you know if you have bedbugs?

To find out if you have bedbugs, you need to look for two things:

Bites on your body: If you have bedbugs, youre likely to have bites. Bedbug bites usually cause itchy welts. These welts usually appear in a zigzag pattern as show in the photo above.

Youll seldom see bedbugs, so many people mistakenly believe that mosquitos, fleas, or spiders bit them. Sometimes people mistake bedbug bites for a common skin condition such as an itchy rash, hives, or chickenpox.

To make sure you have bedbugs, youll need to look for signs of bedbugs.

Although bedbugs dont usually require serious medical attention, they can cause a great deal of anxiety and restless nights. To help find bedbugs before they find you (and your belongings), dermatologists recommend looking for the following signs near places where you sleep.

Signs of bedbugs: This step is important. If you have a bedbug infestation, you need to find out so that you can get rid of the bedbugs. Getting rid of the bedbugs is the only way to stop the bites.

If you have a large number of bedbugs, you may see the bugs. Most people, however, only see signs of bedbugs. To look for signs of bedbugs, check the places that people sleep for the following:

If you see bedbugs, they will likely scurry toward the closest hiding place. Any dark place such as inside a mattress or even a picture frame makes a good hiding place.

As you watch bedbugs move, it can look like they are flying or jumping because they can crawl quickly. Bedbugs cannot fly or jump; they can only crawl.

If you find signs of bedbugs, call a pest-control company or your property manager. You should not use bug spray or a fogger. These products have little effect on bedbugs.

You should see a dermatologist for treatment if you have:

Your dermatologist may prescribe the following to treat bedbug bites:

Allergic reaction: Some people may require an injection of an antihistamine, corticosteroid, or epinephrine (adrenaline) for a severe allergic reaction.

Infection: An infection may require an antibiotic. If the infection is mild, your dermatologist may recommend an antiseptic medication that you can buy without a prescription. Your dermatologist will tell you which one to use. Your dermatologist also may recommend an antiseptic to prevent a skin infection.

Itch: A prescription antihistamine pill or liquid can help. You also can apply a corticosteroid to the bites. Your dermatologist will tell you which is best for you.

If you do not have any signs of an infection or a serious reaction, you can often treat the bites at home.

To treat bedbug bites:

Bedbug bites usually heal and go away within a week or two.

References: Leverkus M et al. Bullous Allergic Hypersensitivity to Bedbug Bites Mediated by IgE against Salivary Nitrophorin. J of Invest Dermatol. 2006;126:2364-2366. Liebold K et al. Disseminated bullous eruption with systemic reaction caused by Cimex lectularius. J Euro Acad of Dermat and Vener. 2003;17:461-463. Steen CJ, Carbonaro PA, Schwartz RA. Arthropods in dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol 2004; 50:819-42.

More here:
Bedbugs | American Academy of Dermatology

Follow

Bed bugs are tiny parasitic insects that live by feeding off the blood of warm-blooded animals, most often humans. Bed bugs have re-emerged at an alarming rate in major cities and are being found everywhere from upscale homes to movie theaters and major department stores. These tiny bugs are the size of an apple seed.

Look for any red bites that resemble mosquito bites. Bed bugs often bite three or four times in very close proximity. The bites might have a center that is darker red. According to the Mayo Clinic, bed bug bites often resemble other insect bites.

Inspect your body in the morning for any abnormal red welts that are swelling. Some people have very harsh reactions to the bites and the bites can swell to large quarter-sized red marks.

Check your bed for any abnormal dark red or brown stains. Take off the sheets and search the seams of your mattress. Because bed bugs feast on blood, their waste also looks like blood. If you find various dark stains on your mattress, couch or anywhere you tend to sit and spend a lot of time, it can be a sign of bed bugs.

Use a magnifying glass and look for tiny, thin, beetle-like insects on your mattress or couches. Bed bugs usually don't come out in daylight so you might want to check in the middle of the night. If they have not fed they are transparent. A bed bug that has just fed and is full of blood is dark red and will ooze blood if squeezed. If you find these types of insects call an exterminator for a professional evaluation.

How to Identify Insect Bites by Pictures. ... How to Identify Bed Bug Bites. Bedbugs are small insects that most commonly live...

The bed bug is a vile, bloodsucking creature that has ruined the sleep of humans throughout history. The good news? They cant...

How to Tell If You Have Bed Bug Bites. Bed bugs are nocturnal parasites that hide in the cracks and seams of...

Bedbugs are small insects that most commonly live under the covers of a bed. The pests enjoy the darkness and feed on...

Checking for bed bugs is essential if you are wake up with bites and the urge to scratch. Bed bugs are small...

What Causes Overnight Bites Besides Bed Bugs?. ... View Photos Fabulous Fireplaces for Any Style You May Like. Symptoms of Bed Bug...

Visit link:
How to Check for Bed Bug Bites | eHow