Bedbugs

Overview

Bedbugs are small, flat, wingless insects that feed on blood. They hide in cracks and crevices, often around beds, and come out at night to bite. While they are a nuisance, they are not known to spread serious diseases.

Bedbugs are common worldwide, especially in places where many people come and go, such as hotels, hostels, and apartment buildings.

Bedbugs can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or level of cleanliness. They are often picked up while traveling or from secondhand furniture.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Red, itchy bites, often in lines or clusters
• Bites usually on exposed skin: face, neck, arms, and hands
• Small areas of redness and swelling
• Intense itching
• Sometimes a burning or prickling feeling

Symptoms in children

• Children may scratch more, which can lead to broken skin and infection
• Bites are often more noticeable in children
• Some children may develop small blisters

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have less visible reactions but may still feel itchy
• Skin can take longer to heal, so bites may be at risk of infection
• If scratching, bruising or skin breakdown can occur

Causes

Main causes

• Bedbugs are brought in on clothing, luggage, or used furniture
• They can move between rooms in walls, floors, and gaps
• They are active at night and feed on blood, usually while you sleep

Risk factors

• Recent travel or staying in crowded lodging
• Living in multi-unit housing such as apartments or hostels
• Buying secondhand mattresses or furniture without checking
• Being in places with high turnover of people, such as hotels, hospitals, or shelters

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, call emergency services immediately
• If you have signs of a severe skin infection with spreading redness, fever, or chills, get urgent care

Book a routine appointment if:

• If itching is severe or not controlled with over-the-counter treatments
• If repeated scratching causes broken skin or signs of infection
• If you have concerns about how to treat the bites or the infestation

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse can usually diagnose bedbug bites by looking at your skin and asking about your situation. They may also inspect the bites' pattern. The diagnosis is often based on the typical appearance and the presence of bedbugs or their signs in your home.

Tests that may be done

• No tests are usually needed.
• If there is concern about infection or an allergic reaction, the doctor may take a swab or a small sample.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, whether you have noticed bedbugs or dark spots on bedding, and if you have travelled recently. They will examine the bites and may recommend treatments for itching and ways to prevent infection. They may also give advice on how to deal with an infestation.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on relieving itching and preventing infection. At the same time, the bedbugs themselves must be removed from your home. Bites usually heal in 1–2 weeks without treatment.

Self-care at home

• Wash the bites with mild soap and warm water and pat dry
• Apply a cool, damp cloth for a few minutes to soothe itching
• Keep your fingernails short and try not to scratch, as this can break the skin
• Ask your pharmacist about suitable products to reduce itching, such as calming lotions or, if needed, a medicine to help you stop scratching
• If the itching does not settle, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe stronger anti-itch creams or, if there is a skin infection, a course of antibiotics. In rare allergic reactions, they may recommend a short course of steroid tablets. Always follow their advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for bedbug bites. It is only relevant if a severe infection leads to an abscess that needs drainage, which is rare.

Living with this condition

While dealing with bedbugs, keep your skin clean and resist the urge to scratch. Use calming lotions or a cold cloth. Remember that the bites will fade, and the insects can be eliminated with careful, repeated steps.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash bedding and clothes at a hot temperature (60°C or 140°F) and dry on a hot cycle
• Vacuum mattresses, furniture, carpets, and along skirting boards
• Use a mattress and box spring encasement to trap bedbugs, if you can find one
• Declutter your bedroom to give bedbugs fewer hiding places
• Consider contacting a pest control professional to treat your home

Diet and exercise

No special diet or exercise is needed for bedbug bites. Eating a balanced diet and keeping your skin moisturized can help your skin heal.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with bedbugs can be stressful and can affect your sleep and mood. It is normal to feel anxious or embarrassed. Reach out to trusted friends or family, and consider speaking with a counsellor if it is affecting your wellbeing.

Prevention

Bedbugs can be prevented with careful habits, though not always completely. Inspect secondhand furniture and luggage, and be alert when travelling.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine to prevent bedbug bites.

Screening programmes

There is no regular screening test for bedbugs. Check your home for signs, such as dark spots on sheets, tiny eggs, or the bugs themselves, especially after travel or if you have bites.

Complications

If left untreated

• Infection of the skin from repeated scratching
• Sleep loss and tiredness due to discomfort
• Scarring or changes in skin colour after bites heal
• Stress and anxiety from the infestation

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good. Bedbug bites usually heal on their own within a couple of weeks, and with proper care, infestation can be eliminated. Most people recover fully without lasting problems.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.