What should you know about types of bed bug bites?

A bite may be a small red or swollen bump, a group of nearby bumps, or marks arranged in a line. Some people develop strong itching while others have little visible reaction. Marks can appear on exposed skin after sleeping, but a skin reaction alone cannot confirm bed bugs because mosquitoes, fleas, contact irritation, and other causes can look similar. Fresh marks may not appear immediately, and scratching can make them larger or introduce infection.

Wash the area gently, use a cool compress, and keep fingernails short to limit scratching. A pharmacist or clinician may discuss an oral antihistamine or topical corticosteroid when itching or inflammation is troublesome. Do not apply harsh chemicals to the skin. To investigate the source, inspect mattress seams, bed frames, and nearby furniture for insects or dark spotting, and consider professional pest-control advice. Wash and dry bedding according to care instructions, and avoid moving infested items to another room.

Seek medical care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, increasing pain, or fever, which can indicate a scratched and infected area. Get urgent help for facial or throat swelling, wheezing, trouble breathing, dizziness, or a rapidly widespread reaction. Arrange review when bites continue despite addressing the environment or when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Ask whether the marks fit bites or another rash, which treatment is suitable for your symptoms, how to recognise infection, and whether anyone else in the household needs assessment.