Is a Bed Bug Rash Normal?
Bed bugs are not only found in homes but infest other places such as summer camps. Most of the time, they are able to re-infest a certain place by simply hitchhiking a ride to any visitors from these areas. They enjoy warm areas, so it should not surprise you to see bite marks from bed bugs when you stay at these places, when you wake up one morning after your stay at a summer camp, or from a recent travel.
Are The Small Red Bumps Bed Bug Bites Or a Rash?
So, how do you identify if the rashes you have are from bed bug bites or another allergic reaction? Well, it all depends if you’ve recently been bitten by other insects, if you accidentally ate anything you are allergic to, or you have a bed bug infestation. There are different skin conditions that may caue these rashes, but if you think you might have bed bugs at home, then the rashes are most probably a reaction to the bites.
Bed bug bites are considered the primary signs of bed bugs lurking in your home. Whether you have a full-blown bed bug infestation or it is only in the early stages, it is best that you attend to the issue immediately to stop getting the bites.
What Are The Normal Symptoms of a Bed Bug Rash?
If you have a mild reaction to insect bites or don’t have any allergic reactions, normal bites would be in a zigzag pattern. Bed bugs feed on human blood and they will bite at least three times to get a full blood meal. You may develop itchy red welts after a few days, but you may also develop rashes around the bite marks a few hours after being bitten.
It is necessary that you use ointments, creams, or consult a doctor if you develop any other skin reactions aside from the bed bug bite marks.
How Long Will It Take for the Rash to Fade?
Though most people experience bite marks similar to those of mosquitoes and other insects, there are some who experience different symptoms. One of which is developing a rash, which is considered a bed bug bite reaction. The rash usually appears a few hours after the bite. There are some cases where the rashes develop after a few days. The appearance of the rash and how long it will last depends on the allergic reaction of the individual. Most of the time, the rash will only last for several days and will fade slowly.
However, for people who are hypersensitive and develop a severe reaction to the bites, the rash lasts longer and may require medical attention. Sometimes, getting medical attention is the only way to treat a bed bug rash on the skin completely and prevent scarring.
Bed Bug Rash Treatment
Looking at pictures of a bed bug rash, you will notice that some people develop redness and swelling associated with the rash. The discomfort and itching can be treated using natural or home remedies.
When you consult a doctor, antihistamines along with steroid creams might be prescribed for your rashes to control the itching and to help make the redness subside. One thing that you must keep in mind is to avoid scratching the affected areas. Scratching not only introduces compounds that can lead to infection but will also make the bitten areas itch more.
One way to slowly and eventually put a stop to getting these bites is by dealing with the bedbug infestation in your home. Yes, it may take some time, but it is better than letting the pests take over your home and your life.
