Youre not alone if youre confused about the difference betweenscabiesandbedbugs.
The bites of these annoying pests can look quite similar, and both can cause irritating itching.
But its important to note that each key in of infestation requires a different treatment approach.
Matteo Lanciano / Getty Images
Matteo Lanciano / Getty Images
What Are Scabies and Bedbugs?
Bedbugs are tiny blood-sucking insects.
The nocturnal insects tend to live in places near where humans sleep at night, like around mattresses.
Cousins ofticks, these microscopic mites lay eggs and tunnel through the skin, spreading the scabies rash.
How to Identify Each
Here are some key signs of each punch in of infestation.
Scabies infestations are more common in areas of the body with skin folds.
People typically contract scabies by having prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an infestation.
But it can be tough to tell the difference between a bite from a bedbug and other insects.
Treatment
Scabies Rash
There are no over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for scabies.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that everyone in your household undergo treatment to prevent a recurrence.
In some cases, people may have itching that continues even after the mites have been eliminated.
If this happens, you may want to ask a healthcare provider about treatment for the rash itself.
Bedbug Bites
Most bedbug bites will go away on their own.
Often you could handle the discomfort and itching with some home remedies.
Bedbugs
Your action plan will depend on how large of an infestation you have.
Prompt treatment of the infestation is important to prevent the problem from spreading further.
Youre more likely to get scabies if you sleep or have sex with someone who has it.
Because a bedbug infestation can be tough to get rid of once established, prevention is the best cure.
Bedbugs live in crevices near where people sleep, while scabies mites live on human skin.
Treatment for these two pests is very different.
Bedbugs, however, can hide and keep reproducing as long as they have access to blood.
A Word From Verywell
It can be upsetting to realize you may have bedbugs or scabies.
Theres stigma and embarrassment associated with each of these pest infestations.
But know that anyone can contract either scabies or bedbugs.
Theyre not necessarily a sign of uncleanliness or poor hygiene.
you’ve got the option to only get scabies from prolonged skin-to-skin contact.
Scabies is a skin condition triggered by a scabies mite infestation.
The mites dont actually produce bites.
Instead, they burrow into and feed on skin tissue.
This can look like a rash, and you may be able to see grey-white streaks on the skin.
In some cases, scabies can also cause pimple-like pustules.
With crusted scabies, the skin can take on a crusted appearance.
Its possible to visually spot bedbugs, but the bites are often the first sign of an infestation.
It can take up to 14 days for bites to appear.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Bed bugs appearance and life cycle.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scabies frequently asked questions (FAQs).
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Bed bugs: diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Scabies: signs and symptoms.
Environmental Protection Agency.Do-it-yourself bed bug control.
Environmental Protection Agency.Protecting your home from bed bugs.
