A bedbug bite looks similar to other bug bitesthere’s little that differentiates the actual bite mark.
Bedbug bites can be mistaken for skin rashes or bites from other bugs.
Bedbugs are a species of insect known ascimex lectularius(cimexis Latin for bug andlectulois Latin for bed).
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There is a second common species of bedbugs known ascimex hemiptera.
These are known as the tropical bedbugs, largely staying within 30 degrees of the equator.
Itching
Bedbugs have needle-like mouthparts that pierce the skin and allow the bedbugs to feast on blood.
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To facilitate eating, they secrete saliva that has anticoagulant (blood-thinning) properties.
For some people, this saliva might cause reactions, including itching.
Scratching can make the itching worse.
The lesions start off as red areas that become raised and then may develop into blisters.
Often, bedbug bites are clustered along lines, usually following arms and legs.
Bedbug bites often appear in a straight line or row.
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The bleeding is self-limiting and will show up on sheets as flecks of blood.
Large bedbug bite clusters can cover significant portions of the body and can look like chickenpox.
People who have chronic, large clusters of bedbug bites can develop anemia, which can cause fatigue.
Some people develop blisters, especially on the arms and legs.
Bedbug bites can rarely cause a severe allergic reaction.
Bedbugs tend to infestfolds of cushions and upholsteryon furniture and in mattresses.
The bugs producepheromoneswhen they are stressed or in danger.
It smells sickly sweet and gets stronger when people are trying to kill the bedbugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bedbug biteslook like small, raised red bumps that may form blisters.
An infection can develop if you scratch the bites.
Otherwise, they typicallygo away on their own.
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