Bedbug bites on humans: signs and symptoms, vulnerabilities

Causes of allergies

Allergy is a reaction of the immune system to contact with an irritant, expressed in various external manifestations.

Insect allergy occurs upon contact with insects. It occurs in response to poison, saliva, waste products, or microparticles from the bodies of insects entering the human blood.

Bed bugs that live in houses are called bed bugs. They have a dirty yellow or brown color, a flattened body shape and sizes up to 9 mm. These parasites feed on the blood of humans and animals mainly at night, and during the day they hide in secluded places, for example, in box springs and bed frames, mattresses, inside sofas, in ventilation, under baseboards, on the back walls of cabinets and chests of drawers, and in sockets. Their bites cause an allergic reaction called chemipterosis.

An allergy to bedbugs can occur when their saliva enters the wound through a bite or inhalation of body scales, excrement, or skin particles along with dust. When biting, the parasite inserts 2 proboscis into the skin - one at a time, saliva enters the victim’s body, and the second, the insect sucks out blood. An “injection” with saliva is administered because of the analgesics it contains, thanks to which the victim does not feel pain from the bite and does not wake up, and also because of the ability of the substances included in its composition to thin the blood for more convenient suction. The allergen is a protein contained in the saliva of insects.

Common reaction to a bug bite

Bed parasites feed on human blood. When the insect is hungry, its body is flat, light brown and measures 3-8 mm in size. It is extremely difficult to kill hungry bedbugs due to their body structure. It is much easier to destroy a well-fed one when his body becomes larger, longer, and expands. It absorbs an amount of blood twice its weight. The larvae of the parasites are small, the body is transparent. The larvae also drink blood, after which a drop of blood is visible in the transparent body. Bed suckers are active at night from 1 am to 6 am.

The bedbug's jaw allows it to pierce the skin and suck blood. Having pierced the skin, he looks for a capillary and unerringly chooses the place where he feels the vibration of the blood. The upper and lower jaws look like piercing, unsegmented bristles and form two canals: a wide one for receiving blood and a narrow one for secreting saliva, which acts as an anesthetic. Bedbug bites are painful: adults secrete saliva into the wound, but larvae do not.

Domestic insect bites often cause an allergic reaction. However, the occurrence of serious complications is less than 1%. Frequent bedbug bites provoke a number of complications. In humans, nocturnal insect bites look like swelling.

How to recognize bedbugs: 5 facts

If you have bedbugs, you can recognize them by the bites on your body. To do this, we highlight important key points that allow a person to determine that a mark on the skin is the result of a domestic bug bite:

• severe itching and burning;
• pronounced tubercle;
• there is a red areola around the tubercle;
• number of bites from three to five in one area;
• bites are located in a straight line.

If you find similar features in bites, inspect the bed. Drops of blood or black spots may remain on the laundry.

Domestic bedbugs that have drunk enough blood can be easily crushed by hand while sleeping. Their remains are visible on the bed.

Appearance

1. Bugs are about 4-6 mm long. The body shape is oval, the back and bottom are flat with six strong, well-developed legs. Adults (adults) have scaly forelimbs, and larvae lack wings. The mouth narrows for biting and sucking.
2. Adult bed bugs are yellow-brown or red-brown in color. After sucking the blood, the color of the abdomen changes increasingly from red to black.
3. The eggs are whitish or cream-colored and darker just before the larvae hatch.
4. Bed bug larvae are about 1 mm long and have a pale, transparent color.
5. Barn skins are light brown and look like flaking armor
6. Bed bugs should not be confused with dust mites. Bedbugs are nocturnal parasitic insects that live off the blood of warm-blooded mammals. In contrast, dust mites are microscopic spiders and feed on dead skin cells. They are not visible to the naked eye.

Life cycle

1. Bed bugs lay from 200 to 500 eggs over the course of two months in several clutches of 10-50 pieces, that is, a bed bug lays eggs every day.
2. The adult female must drink your blood before laying eggs.
3. Larvae must suck blood at least once during each of the five stages of their development.
4. The eggs are usually laid in cracks and crevices, but can also stick to furniture in clumps and be surrounded by a clear substance.
5. The life cycle from egg to adult insect can vary from 45 days to a year.
6. Bed bugs can survive for weeks or months without eating.

Lifestyle

1. Bedbugs are photophobic and nocturnal, making them difficult to recognize.
2. Bed bugs are attracted to heat (body), carbon dioxide (breath), and body odor (sweat).
3. When they pierce the skin, they secrete an anesthetic secretion, so the bite initially goes unnoticed.
4. Adult bed bugs “visit” their victims approximately every 3-7 days and suck blood. The "attack" on their victims usually occurs early in the morning. Bed bug sucking lasts from three to twenty minutes, depending on how quickly productive blood capillaries are found. After feeding, bedbugs retreat to their hiding place. They react to danger by moving quickly and emitting scent.
5. Bed bugs can survive at room temperature for up to seven months without a blood meal, and at lower temperatures even up to 500 days.
6. Bed bugs initially infest only individual rooms and provided that, as can be found here at regular intervals, the potential host is looking for and pricking. Therefore, "moving" into adjacent premises occurs, especially when there are no bed bugs and the blood host is unavailable or when the colonization pressure of bed bugs has become too high.

How bedbug bites affect us

People react completely differently to contact with these insects. Let's look at the various manifestations. So, the reaction to bedbug bites can:

• completely absent (according to studies, from 30 to 60% of people do not react to bites);
• manifest itself in the form of minor inflammation of the skin;
• cause a local allergic reaction;
• provoke a generalized allergic reaction, which can manifest itself in the form of urticaria, asthma attacks, angioedema, up to the development of anaphylactic shock (a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention).

What do bedbug bites usually look like?

Red itchy spots from 2 to 5 mm appear on the skin around the bite sites; the skin around the bites may be swollen and painful. Usually a person discovers such formations on the skin when he wakes up in the morning. As a rule, they go away within a week. Bedbug bites can resemble mosquito bites, but they have a characteristic feature - they usually form a “path”.

How does an allergy to bedbugs manifest?

In this case, the characteristic signs of bites: redness, swelling and itching will be more pronounced. For example, swelling may spread to the entire bitten limb. The itching can become unbearable, the papules are painful, and sometimes blisters appear. In rare cases, lymph nodes may become enlarged.

Generalized/general allergic reaction

It is extremely rare, but is a very serious complication and can be life-threatening. If an allergy after bedbug bites, in addition to a local skin reaction, is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing;
• Hoarseness;
• Dizziness;
• Chest pain;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Swelling of the lips and/or tongue;
• Itchy rash all over the body;
• Spreading redness around the bite sites;
• Fever

Call an ambulance immediately. These are signs of extreme manifestations of allergies - Quincke's edema and developing anaphylactic shock. In this case, prompt medical intervention is necessary. Otherwise death may occur.

Symptoms of bites

After the bite, clearly defined red spots appear and severe itching occurs, symptoms reminiscent of an allergy.

A similar reaction occurs because when bedbugs bite, they secrete saliva containing elements that prepare the blood for reception. They cause a strong reaction in a person, then irritation at the site of the bite persists for a very long time, much longer than from the bites of other insects.

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Symptoms usually observed:

• rash in the form of tracks;
• redness, irritation spots;
• there are traces of crushed bedbugs on the skin or underwear;
• itching and an unbearable desire to scratch the bite site;
• painful sensations from touch;
• blisters.

Not all people are prone to allergies; for some, bites do not cause any immune response. But in sensitive allergic people, manifestations can be either minor or fatal.

In allergic people, skin reactions are more pronounced.

Allergic reactions are divided into local and general, affecting the condition of the whole organism.

A common reaction to a bug bite is redness, urticarial rash (urticaria), swelling at the site of the bite, itching and irritation of the skin, turning into blisters (vesicular, or bullous, rash). Such local symptoms are harmless and disappear after a few days.

Such symptoms may indicate angioedema or anaphylactic shock, and the patient will require emergency medical care.

The manifestations of bites vary depending on the sensitivity of the skin. In children, the symptoms are more pronounced. With age, the skin becomes rougher and the itching will be less intense.

The main signs of house bug bites in the puncture area:

• redness;
• tissue swelling;
• burning;
• soreness;
• traces of blood and droppings on the bed linen.

When inspecting linen and upholstered furniture in search of a bedbug nest, you need to be careful. Breathing air containing this parasite's excrement is very dangerous. If insects are found, bedding should be changed daily, but it is better to get rid of pests quickly.

There are a number of common signs that appear after a bed bug bite:

• itching;
• redness;
• swelling.

Before eating, the adult inserts its proboscis into the skin, while nothing bothers the person.

However, not only mature bedbugs feed on blood, but also larvae, whose oral apparatus is not yet fully formed, so they are not able to inject an anesthetic into the skin along with saliva. In this case, the person wakes up from acute pain that occurs when the proboscis is inserted into the epidermis.

The reaction to a bug bite is often quite strong: the pest’s saliva, which enters the human body in large quantities, is an allergen.

Bedbug bites are accompanied by itching, redness, and swelling.

The bite site is very itchy. This is a common symptom of contact with parasites, regardless of whether the attacker is a larva or an adult. When a person is bitten by a larva, pain occurs along with the itching.

People with hypersensitivity experience swelling and inflammation. Bite marks do not go away for a long time. The intensity of redness depends on the characteristics of the body.

However, sometimes symptoms of bites are mild or absent. In this case, a drop of dried blood remains at the points of insertion of the proboscis.

The following signs will help you understand that a person has been bitten by a bug:

• large red spots;
• blisters, bumps - formations at the points of bites can be different.

An allergy to a bug bite manifests itself in increased external manifestations.
In people with high sensitivity, allergies may occur:

• bronchospasm;
• hives;
• swelling of the mucous membranes;
• loss of consciousness;
• anaphylactic shock;
• headache.

When such signs occur, it is difficult to determine the cause if the rash spreads throughout the body. If the reaction is weaker and manifests itself locally, then spots, itching, and redness appear on open areas of the body where bedbugs often bite.

Main signs of allergies

Domestic insect bites often cause an allergic reaction. The occurrence of serious complications is less than 1%. For a longer stay in the house, apartment bugs provoke a number of complications. In humans, insect bites look like swelling.

The first signs of allergic reactions in the body appear within six to twelve hours after contact with insects. Each person's reaction is purely individual. But it is an undeniable fact that for allergy sufferers, bedbugs are a serious health problem.

If you find the characteristic spots, you should carefully inspect exposed areas of the body, as bed bugs do not bite through clothing. Examine the body as quickly as possible. The appearance of the bite changes very quickly, and within a day or two the redness may spread to the entire limb.

People with allergies experience the following symptoms. Already on the second day, an allergic reaction may appear in the following form:

• itchy rash;
• bronchospasm;
• swollen eyelids and larynx;
• anaphylactic shock.

A child reacts more painfully to a beetle bite, since the parasite does not immediately dig into the body, but “tastes” every area until it finds the “tastiest” place. The delicate skin of children immediately reacts to damage with burning heat, dense tumors and unbearable itching.

The first thing to do when a child or adult is bitten by a bedbug is to prevent scratching so as not to spread an infection to the affected areas.

Allergy symptoms

An allergic reaction to a bedbug bite is identified by the following general symptoms:

• Increasing redness, pimples, blisters that increase in size and shape and spread beyond the bites;
• Swelling and pain in the affected areas of the skin;
• Increasing itching;
• Severe watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing;
• Difficulty breathing (bronchospasm), shortness of breath or tachycardia;
• Loss of consciousness.

A negative reaction in the form of an allergy to the secretion of a bug of protein origin can be severe. The patient may experience unbearable itching and bloody spots. The spread of swelling, the appearance of erosion, Quincke's edema, swelling of the upper respiratory organs, the appearance of erosion, and anaphylaxis are possible.

In children, allergies can be more severe than in adults. In most cases, their body temperature rises, which is explained by the child’s immature immune system and the sensitivity of his skin.

An allergic reaction appears under the influence of certain factors, in particular against the background of hereditary disposition and unfavorable environmental conditions. A number of factors that cause allergies also include bad habits, frequent chronic or acute diseases, uncontrolled use of medications, stress, instability of the immune system, and a tendency to allergic reactions.

Allergies in a child

Women and children are mainly attacked by bedbugs. The reason for this is their delicate skin, which is easily calcined with the help of a proboscis. Men whose blood vessels are located close to the skin are also susceptible to bedbug bites.

After a puncture for sucking, a red swelling with a mark in the center forms on the skin. The swollen area at the site of the bite is very itchy and painful. In a child with increased sensitivity to substances in the bedbug’s saliva, a swelling appears, which can reach up to 5 cm. An allergic reaction in children to the secretions secreted by a bug appears more often than in adults. The reason for this is an immature immune system.

You can distinguish bedbug bites from the bites of other insects, in particular mosquitoes, by the following distinctive features:

• Traces after mosquito bites are single, appearing only on open areas of the body. Bedbug bites can occur over the entire surface of the skin;
• Mosquito bites are single, after the bugs there are characteristic tracks of red, swollen tubercles;
• If a child has been subjected to multiple bedbug attacks, the bites may merge into a large red spot.

The child's body reacts more actively to specific enzymes in insect saliva. In some children, the bite causes a violent allergic reaction, and in some, the marks after the parasite invasion only itch and stop bothering them after a few days.

A swelling on the child’s skin appears 15 minutes after the bite and quickly begins to itch and swell. If the child is prone to allergies, the space between the punctures will be filled with red pimples, reminiscent of hives. The bite of the larvae can cause inflammation and abscesses.

Evidence of a bedbug attack is a chain of about 6 swellings that resemble red pimples. Parents should be concerned about scarlet, extensive bite marks; they indicate the development of an allergic reaction in the child’s body. This reaction can last 7-10 days; in the presence of infection, a longer period is required for complete recovery.

When there are a large number of bites and maggot attacks, symptoms of inflammation may appear. The child may have a fever of up to 39 degrees, and the lymph nodes may become painful and change in size. Also, rhinitis and cough, abdominal pain and diarrhea may appear. Such symptoms can be accepted by parents as the beginning of colds.

The presence of bedbugs in a child's room may be indicated by a strange smell reminiscent of sour berries. This is the smell of a lubricant that the females secrete when attaching the larva to surfaces. On the sheets you can find red spots of blood, which is released from wounds on the body after a bite. The secretion that bedbugs inject into the wound along with saliva affects blood clotting. Large brown spots from crushed bedbugs appear on the bed, because after feeding, the parasites become clumsy.

If there are a large number of insects, black formations resembling poppy seeds may appear on the child’s bed - these are bedbug excrement. You can see parasites scattering if you suddenly turn on the light in the room between 2 and 4 am. To correct the situation, you need to try to remove parasites from the nursery using suitable insecticides.

If a child is found to have bedbug bites, it is necessary to ensure that the child does not scratch the bite sites. This can infect the wound and cause abscesses to develop that are difficult to heal. The affected child may complain of itching, pain and burning at the site of the bite. There is a risk of developing local inflammatory reactions on the skin. The child's sleep patterns may be disrupted, he becomes irritable, moody, and loses his appetite. A large number of bites can cause the baby to develop anemia.

The enzyme released from a bug bite into a child's blood is a powerful allergen and often causes an allergic reaction. The pathological condition is revealed by increased body temperature and fever, abdominal pain, development of swelling of the mucous membranes, irritability, itching and burning in the bite areas, and the appearance of edema.

If several symptoms appear at the same time, parents should urgently seek medical help. In some cases, the development of an allergic reaction can occur rapidly, and over a short period of time, swelling of the mucous membranes and respiratory tract, shortness of breath, swelling of facial tissues, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and shock may develop. Allergies should be treated by a specialist; self-medication can lead to irreversible consequences.

You can help your child by reducing allergies. To relieve larger lesions, you can use soda paste. To do this, baking soda is diluted with a small amount of water. The paste is applied to the affected areas of the skin. One commonly used remedy is to wash the skin at the site of the bite with soapy water.

To stabilize the child’s condition, it is necessary to relieve pain from bites and reduce itching. Eliminating these symptoms will help prevent scratching, skin trauma, infection and the development of inflammation. An infusion of medicinal herbs: a series of tripartite, chamomile and sage will help relieve itching and inflammation in severely itchy bites.

An effective remedy for eliminating symptoms after a bedbug bite is a decoction of oak bark.

Parents should take measures to eliminate parasites from the child’s room - first of all, inspect the child’s bed, change the mattress and bedding.

Among medications for the treatment of allergies, Fenistil gel, which is available in the form of drops or ointments, is effective. Drugs with similar effects are used, such as Zyrtec, Ketocin, Dermadrin, Cetirizine DS, Suprastin.

Homeopathic remedies are relatively safe for children. Apis and Ledum are used to treat the consequences of a bite. For external treatment of wounds, you can use an alcohol tincture of marigolds.

Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor; the choice of drug and dosage is also made by a specialist.

Treatment for bites

Only a doctor can accurately tell you about possible symptoms and treatment. In case of severe manifestations of allergies, you should consult a dermatologist or immunologist.

In adults

Treatment of allergies in adults includes taking medications to relieve unpleasant symptoms from a bite, reduce or prevent itching and redness. Medicines are presented in the form of tablets, ointments or gels.

Among the tableted antihistamines, one can highlight Suprastin, Loratadin, Tavegil, Diazolin, Telfast, Cetrin, Fenkarol, etc. Ointments and gels are used as topical agents to combat itching, such as Fenistil, Bepanten, Cikaderma, Advantan, Flucinar, Elidel, Psilo-balm, erythromycin ointment. To relieve unpleasant pain, intramuscular analgesics Baralgin and Analgin are used.

All drugs presented must be used after consultation with a doctor and according to the instructions. Pay attention to the age at which you can take this or that drug, as well as the dosage and method of administration.

External remedies quickly relieve symptoms.
There are folk remedies for relieving painful symptoms: a warm soothing bath for the skin, cold compresses, lotions with soda, solutions of chamomile, string, St. John's wort, and a decoction of oak bark. Apply fresh mint to itchy surfaces.

In children

When treating children, care must be taken to ensure that they do not scratch the bites.

Treating wounds with some antiseptic, such as hydrogen peroxide or Chlorhexidine solution, will help avoid infection.

Otherwise, the treatment options are the same as for adults. Cold compresses will help relieve pain and itching. Use lotions made from herbal infusions and solutions with caution, as they can cause an additional allergic reaction in the child.

To receive complete treatment, contact your pediatrician, dermatologist or immunologist. The doctor may prescribe antihistamines in a convenient form of release - in the form of tablets, drops, gels or ointments, depending on the severity of the condition and the age of the child.

When treating bedbug bites, you need to clearly understand whether you are allergic to it. Because this is the main thing that will have to be treated. In order to prevent infection from getting into a scratched bite, you need to follow simple steps:

• Rinse the bite area thoroughly with water.
• Treat with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine.
• Apply ointment to relieve itching.
• Take allergy medication.
• Take painkillers if necessary.
• Additionally, use folk remedies: plantain, mint, garlic, etc.

It is necessary to understand that there is no universal remedy for tick bites; everything is purely individual. A typical bite goes away in ten days. Recovery from a bite with complications can take weeks. In this case, treatment with antibiotics will likely be required.

Remedies for treating tick bites:

• Relieving skin irritation, soothing ointment - Afloderm, Menovazin.
• Healing ointment – ​​Fenistil, Rescuer, Tsindol.
• Any anti-allergy tablets - Suprastin, Claritin, Cetirizine.

Most often, the bite will not be very painful and there is no need to treat it. But as a gentle therapy, you can use traditional methods:

• Apply ice, which relieves swelling.
• Disinfect with alcohol or vinegar.
• Lubricate with aloe juice, a decoction of chamomile or St. John's wort, and a solution of baking soda - this will relieve irritation and itching.
• Finely grated garlic or potatoes – apply briefly to the bitten area.

It is dangerous to scratch bite marks as they can become infected. If the temperature rises or your general condition worsens, you must stop self-medication and consult a doctor.

In adults and children, bites look the same in appearance and have common symptoms that make it possible to distinguish the consequences of a night robbery: a small, round, red swelling with a pronounced bump in the middle.

But if in an adult this symptom goes away after a couple of days, then the delicate skin of a child will suffer for a week or more. A child’s immunity is also weaker than that of an adult, so one must be very careful and caring when it comes to treating the consequences of an attack by an arthropod family.

When should you consult a doctor to treat bed bug bites?

At this stage it is easier to give information, first of all, about when you do not need to go to the doctor: anyone who does not find inflammation or allergic pustules in barely noticeable bite points can assume that everything will soon heal without any problems and without further actions.

In contrast, there are very severe allergies that require an immediate call to the emergency room if angioedema occurs.

In between there are all sorts of mixed forms of physical response. If the red spots do not disappear within a maximum of two weeks, bed bug bites should be treated with medication. You also need to treat bed bug bites if:

• a lot of bites
• bubbles have formed
• there are signs of a skin infection, including increased blood pressure or watery eyes
• Allergic skin reactions have occurred: such as severe redness, swelling or hives

If a bite from a domestic parasite is detected, these areas must be treated. It is unknown where the insects came from or what infections they have. You can become infected from bed bugs with various pathologies - tuberculosis, hepatitis B, syphilis.

There are many medications to treat bedbug bites. But first it is necessary to disinfect the puncture sites. This will protect the wounds from infection. You can use ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, regular vodka, and chlorhydroxydine solution. Applying the products to the skin will relieve burning, irritation, reduce redness, swelling of tissues,

The second step will be the use of special treatment agents. They are presented in the table.

The last step in treating bed bug bites at home is to take antihistamines. Such medications include Suprastin, Tavegil.

Bed bugs love to bite children because their skin is delicate and their blood vessels are shallow. Damaged areas need to be treated differently. Preference should be given to natural, plant-based products.

Algorithm for treating bedbug bites in children:

1. Wash the bite areas with warm running water and laundry soap. Dry gently with a towel;
2. Remove burning and itching from bedbug bites with pieces of ice, which are applied to the wounds. This will reduce tissue swelling and speed up healing;
3. Compresses made from brewed black or green tea help relieve skin irritation. They are applied if the child wants to scratch the bite site;
4. Bleeding wounds should be treated with medical alcohol to prevent infection. If there is no alcohol, you can use a soda solution, but the wounds will have to be moistened with it twice a day.

The skin in children recovers faster than in adults. If you do not allow repeated attacks by parasites, the wounds will heal even without additional treatment. We need to get rid of bed bugs faster.

The reaction of children to bedbug bites can be very emotional and negatively colored. Adults should react calmly so that children do not develop psychological complications. Parents should monitor the child’s hemoglobin status: there is a risk of developing anemia. To treat it, the doctor prescribes iron supplements and a vitamin complex.

Domestic parasites usually bite at night, which leads to sleep disturbances, nightmares, irritability, and nervousness. Pregnant and lactating women need a positive emotional state, good deep sleep, so it is necessary to get rid of bedbugs as quickly as possible if women in this position are in the apartment.

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A bug bite cannot cause harm to the body of a pregnant woman or her unborn child. It is necessary to monitor the woman’s emotional state and the manifestation of allergies. Medicines while expecting a baby and during feeding are prescribed by the doctor. Initially, wounds can be treated with medical alcohol and baking soda solution. To relieve itching, apply compresses from the tea leaves.

The greatest danger when contacting parasites is allergies, which can lead to the development of anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, and respiratory failure. For children, bedbug bites are more dangerous due to the strong reaction of the fragile body. General signs may appear, including a rash all over the body. Severe itching also causes harm. A bitten person scratches the spots, scratches appear, and the risk of secondary infection increases.

.Other possible hazards:

• edema;
• hyperemia;
• breathing problems;
• fainting;
• nausea.

It is impossible to protect yourself from bedbug bites. If they live in an apartment, night attacks will continue until all parasites are destroyed.

Difference from other diseases

Bed bug bites are sometimes misleading because they resemble both chicken pox and an allergic reaction. Characteristic features of the marks left by bedbugs are a clear outline, pain and swelling.

Mosquito and flea bites are usually located on different parts of the skin. A mosquito can pass its proboscis through the fabric. The bug needs to have direct contact with the body, since it has a completely different oral apparatus.

Bedbug bites are also different from tick bites. Traces of tick attacks are larger, and in the center the tick itself is found, immersed in the wound with its head. The bug does not linger on the body; once it has had its fill, the insect hides. The bites of a wasp and a bug are clearly different. The first one hurts a lot, the second one itches.

Often, numerous bedbug bites are confused with an allergic reaction or rashes characteristic of infectious diseases. Ectoparasite bites are distinguished by the presence of a microscopic wound in the center of each spot.

The main sign of bedbug bites is the time the rash appears. Bed bugs are only active at night. Daytime ones appear on the skin as a result of the activity of other insects.

Hives after bedbug bites

A bedbug bite in adults can cause local and general allergic reactions. The local reaction is expressed by the formation of swelling and redness of the skin, itching.

Local manifestations of allergies are not dangerous; after some time, the symptoms may go away on their own. To alleviate the condition, it is recommended to use cold compresses and ointments that have an antipruritic and soothing effect. The main danger with local allergic reactions is itching. Since the bite sites are very itchy, victims scratch them, damaging the skin, and through the damaged skin an infection enters the body, which causes suppuration.

The most severe manifestations of allergies involve the development of general reactions of the body. The condition is fraught with the development of urticaria, that is, the formation of a rash outside the location of the bites. An allergic reaction can lead to lacrimation, runny nose, provoke bronchospasm, Quincke's edema and even anaphylactic shock.

How to diagnose

Only a doctor can professionally diagnose allergies. You can independently identify the nature of the rash based on a number of signs:

• the bite sites look like very swollen red bumps;
• there are several bites, they are located nearby or lined up;
• the spots are very itchy;
• additional ailments arose in the form of fever, runny nose, dizziness, nausea, etc.

It is more difficult to independently diagnose the disease in children, because if there are only rashes on the body and no other symptoms are felt, then bedbug bites can be confused with damage from mosquitoes, ants, fleas, dermatitis, prickly heat, respiratory or food allergies . The latter especially concerns children who are introduced to complementary foods or new foods.

Take into account indirect signs indicating the presence of bedbugs in your bed: new bites appear in the morning after sleep, there is a cognac or almond aroma in the room (that’s what enzymes secreted by insects smell like), there are blood stains on the bed linen, and near the bed – dark colored particles (parasite excrement).

It is important to differentiate bedbug bites from bites of other insects.

How to protect yourself from bedbugs?

A few simple rules can greatly limit the incursion of bed bugs into your home.

• When you buy a used piece of furniture or clothing, inspect it carefully before putting it back, and if in doubt, treat it for bedbugs.
• Avoid old beds, mattresses or sofas.
• When moving, if you are using a rental car, you should be aware that it may be infested with bedbugs, so transport everything in protective covers.
• When staying in hotels or clubs that may be prone to bed bugs, do not allow your belongings to lie on the floor. Better leave your suitcases in the bathroom.
• If you notice bed bugs in your room while visiting, wash your clothes in hot water and first inspect your belongings in the garage or bathroom.

These few precautions can prevent unwanted guests from sneaking into your bed.

And keep in mind that allergies can occur not only to bites. Bed bugs release histamine in their excrement. Thus, in bedbug-infested dwellings, up to 100 micrograms of histamine was present in 100 mg of dust, compared with less than 2.5 micrograms of histamine per 100 mg of dust in bedbug-free dwellings. Histamine remains in homes for several months after bed bugs are eliminated. Histamine can also trigger allergies, causing redness, itching, and breathing problems.

First aid

First aid for numerous bedbug bites consists of relieving symptoms and preventing infection of the damaged skin.

Necessary:

• Wash affected areas of skin with cool water and antibacterial soap, alcohol or antiseptic lotion;
• Apply a cold compress or ice to the problem area;
• Wipe the bite areas with a baking soda solution;
• Rinse skin with warm running water.

Medicines you can use:

• Hormonal ointments against inflammation;
• Antihistamines against allergic reactions;
• Antibiotics against infection.

For further treatment of bed bug bites, traditional methods are effective to help reduce itching and stimulate skin healing.

Effective:

1. Alcohol tinctures based on calendula, St. John's wort or plantain. The healing infusion is applied to the skin. The alcohol in the tincture helps to disinfect the wound, and the herbal composition activates regeneration.
2. Aloe juice squeezed from fresh leaves. The product fights inflammation, relieves swelling, and relieves itching.
3. Baking soda solution prepared as follows: 1 tsp. soda per 170 ml of water. The solution helps reduce itching and speed up the recovery of damaged skin.

If the allergy caused by bed bug bites is not too severe, it goes away on its own within 2-3 days. If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should consult a doctor.

Drugs for treatment

For allergies, antihistamines are effective, which are aimed at suppressing excessive histamine production.
A cold compress is placed on the site of the bites or balms and ointments are used to relieve skin itching. These include, for example, Fenistil or Psilo-balm. Tablet medications also relieve itching: Suprastin, Loratalin, Tavegil, Cetrin. Pregnant women who have become victims of sting allergies are not recommended to take antihistamines. Therefore, expectant mothers should especially take care of themselves and it is better to immediately seek advice from a doctor if suspicious redness is detected on the body. Children under three years of age should be given the drug in accordance with the doses indicated in the instructions.

Diagnosis and treatment of bedbug allergies

Without tests it is impossible to prescribe medication

The allergist writes out directions for the patient to donate stool, urine and blood. Without tests, it is impossible to prescribe medication.

The doctor is obliged to identify the allergen. This procedure takes place in a laboratory setting. Various types of allergens are applied to the patient’s skin. After 15-20 minutes, the doctor examines the skin for characteristic changes. This analysis helps to find the cause of the allergy in order to combat it.

Treatment for an allergy sufferer includes antihistamines that reduce tumors and swelling. They help a person endure allergies less painfully than it would be without them. Ointments are also prescribed to help the skin cope with allergic rashes. The ointment dries out pimples, relieves itching and redness.

Dangers to humans that a bug bite entails

Through its bite and saliva it can introduce harmful microorganisms, various bacteria

• The bug is a parasite; it feeds on human blood. Through its bite and saliva it can introduce harmful microorganisms and various bacteria.
• The damaged area on the skin itches, the person does not notice how he scratches the wound. In such cases, he introduces an infection there. The wound will become larger, will not heal and fester.
• In children, when bitten by an insect pest, anemia of the limbs is observed, caused by a lack of iron in the body.

Treatment

Includes varieties such as:

• elimination methods;
• antiallergic therapy.

Elimination complex

This definition refers to measures designed to stop contact with an allergen. Primarily applied:

1. Disinsection (destruction of bedbugs using special means).
2. Thorough cleaning of the room, cleaning carpets, curtains, mattresses using brushes and a vacuum cleaner (the contents of the dust bag must be removed into a tight sealed bag and immediately taken to a trash container outside).
3. Wash bed linen and clothes in hot water.
4. Putting zippered covers on mattresses (marked “from bedbugs”, “anti-allergy”), they should not be removed earlier than after 12 months.
5. Removing and reapplying new wallpaper, filling gaps and cracks with silicone, throwing away old drawers and other objects where bedbugs may be hiding.

It is better to entrust pest control to specialists who will develop optimal methods for eliminating insects. If you decide to fight the parasites yourself, choose a product designed specifically for killing bedbugs, remember to ensure the safety of small children playing in the treated area and pets, who may also be exposed to the poison. When there are a lot of pests and/or it is not possible to use covers, it is better to throw away the mattresses. The same should be done with things that cannot be completely cleaned or washed.

Even after completely getting rid of bedbugs, stick to the following algorithm:

• vacuuming (preferably with a filter) at least once a week;
• using a damp cloth to remove dust on smooth surfaces;
• storing clean clothes and linen in hermetically sealed bags and trays.

The folk method for expelling bedbugs is simple: put fresh wormwood everywhere and spray water with vinegar (you can add wormwood infusion to it).

Unfortunately, home methods are often ineffective or give only temporary results; they can be dangerous not only for insects, but also for people and animals living in an infected room (if you use, for example, ammonia or kerosene).

Antiallergic therapy

It is used if an allergy from bedbug bites has already occurred. It cannot cure sensitivity, but it can stop the symptoms of the reaction or reduce their severity. It is permissible to use drugs from different groups in combination to achieve the best effect.

Antihistamines

Their action is based on suppressing the activity of histamine, the release of which causes unfavorable symptoms (swelling, itching, etc.). There are several generations of drugs in this group; the newest ones do not cause drowsiness and dry mucous membranes, and have a prolonged (long-lasting) effect, which allows you to avoid frequent use during the day. They are produced not only in tablets, but also in the form of ointments and sprays for application to affected areas of the skin. Popular:

1. Claritin.
2. Zyrtec.
3. Cetrin.
4. Telfast.
5. Eden.
6. Erius.

You can treat allergies with their help, but it is better to do this under the supervision of a doctor. Firstly, to select the correct dose and version of the drug, and secondly, to clarify the diagnosis. Perhaps the patient also has sensitivity to food or household chemicals, without eliminating the causes of which he will unsuccessfully use even the most expensive pharmaceutical products.

Glucocorticosteroids

These are medications containing topical (local) forms of adrenal hormones that have a powerful antiallergic effect. These include:

• Methylprednisolone (Advantan);
• Betamethasone (Celestoderm);
• Budesonide (Pulmicort);
• Hydrocortisone, etc.

Available in the form of ointments, lotions, sprays, suspensions for inhalation, etc. Help cope with itching, nasal congestion, bronchospasm; are able to remove even persistent allergic symptoms that have not responded to treatment with antihistamines. At the same time, they are used for a limited period of time and are used only on the recommendation of a doctor, as they have many contraindications and side effects.

How to get rid

You need to exterminate these parasites as soon as you encounter a problem. It is worth approaching this comprehensively, carefully planning everything and preparing the room for processing.

1. There should be no people or pets in the room.
2. All bedding should be washed in hot water, including what was stored in closets and chests of drawers.
3. Remove food and dishes.
4. Open access to the space behind cabinets, baseboards and other hard-to-reach places.
5. Prepare personal protective equipment in advance: goggles, respirator, gloves.

Carefully read the instructions for the selected product and begin processing.

Process carefully:

• The entire room along the perimeter, starting from the far walls, 50 centimeters from the floor and ceiling.
• Mattresses around the perimeter and seams.
• Upholstered furniture in the back in all possible accessible places.
• Risers, water and sewer pipes, ventilation.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with Enterobiasis (pinworms) in children - symptoms, treatment, prevention of enterobiasis

The main thing to remember is that there is no need to delay solving this problem, as bedbugs multiply rapidly. Do the treatment carefully, and your reward will be a restful sleep without painful bedbug bites.

1. Water. When a bite appears on the body, the affected area is washed with cold or hot water. The liquid can relieve itching, swelling, and soothe the skin. The bitten area is washed with baby or plain soap.
2. Soda. Prepare a soda paste from water and baking soda. Dilute to such a state that it can be applied to the skin. Keep until completely dry. Baking soda disinfects, relieves inflammation and itching.
3. Toothpaste. To soothe the skin after a bite, you can use toothpaste with mint and menthol. It is applied only to the affected areas of the skin and wait until it dries.
4. Alcohol. Wipe the bite with rubbing alcohol. Ammonia can be used.
5. Ice. Apply ice cubes against itching. Cold has a beneficial effect on the skin, relieves swelling, heat, and inflammation. You can use frozen meat instead of ice cubes.
6. Aloe. Apply the juice of the plant to the bite site. The leaves are first placed in the refrigerator. Then cut into small pieces and add alcohol. Leave for a day and lubricate the inflamed area. You can simply squeeze out the juice and treat the affected areas.
7. Plantain. Soothes the skin and disinfects the wound. The disc is washed well with water and applied against an insect bite.
8. Tincture of calendula. Helps quickly cope with redness and swelling.