What do the stitches look like?
Bedbug bites are often confused with other insect bites. On closer inspection, however, differences can be seen. Mostly bedbug bites are in a row.
They form so-called “streets”, which correspond to the movement of the bedbugs on the host. The sting of a bedbug is usually located on uncovered parts of the body such as arms, feet, shoulders, neck, face or neck. Typical is a strong reddening of the stings, which can be accompanied by itching.
The sting appears as a deep red, punctiform redness of a few millimetres. Around it, the skin may also be circularly coloured in a lighter shade of red. Bedbug stings do not have to be in a row, although this is common.
One can also find grouped stings. However, it is rare to find isolated stitches spread over the whole body. This rather speaks for another cause. However, people who have lived in “bugged” households for a long time may experience a so-called desensitization. The stitches are hardly noticed anymore, so that an infestation of the entire body can result.
Associated symptoms
Some people react very strongly to the bite of a bedbug, while others show little reaction. It is similar with the accompanying itching. Although it is a very characteristic symptom of bedbug infestation, it is not always present.
In most people the itching lasts for more than a week. It does not have to occur immediately after the stitches and is sometimes delayed. In rare cases there are severe allergic reactions, accompanied by severe itching, hives (urticaria) and pronounced skin inflammation.
Bedbugs cause typical skin changes in those affected. In the early morning hours they sting at unclothed skin areas and suck blood up to 20 minutes. This leaves its mark.
The punctures lead to punctiform bloody skin redness, which is surrounded by paler skin redness. As bedbugs migrate on the skin, punctures can be seen along their “migration routes”. The result is a linear pattern of rash.
In case of a pronounced infestation with bedbugs, several skin regions can be affected in parallel. In some people, bedbug bites trigger a kind of allergic reaction that can lead to a pronounced rash all over the skin. This skin rash usually manifests itself in the form of so-called hives (urticaria), which is characterized by small, light red skin changes. These skin changes are called wheals. They are slightly raised above the skin level and itch.
Treatment and therapy
From a medical point of view, bedbug bites do not necessarily need to be treated. It is more important to control the pests in the household in order to break the vicious circle. Nevertheless, it does not hurt to have yourself examined by a doctor.
The doctor can prescribe medication that helps against the symptoms of bedbug bites. So-called antihistamines help against the itching. Creams containing cortisone can also be used to relieve the symptoms.
In the case of a severe allergic reaction, the doctor will also administer antihistamines or corticosteroids. In rare cases an injection with adrenaline may also be necessary. Since scratching the injection sites favours the entry of bacteria into the skin, an infection may be the possible consequence.
If there are signs of infection, such as fever, pus on the skin, severe swelling or redness, a doctor should be consulted immediately. In this case treatment with antibiotics may be necessary. Mild infections can already be treated with antiseptic skin ointments. These disinfect the skin and prevent the pathogens from dying.
