Bed Bugs Rash

Scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, bed bugs are tiny wingless parasites that are found in our homes, dorm rooms, apartment and motel rooms. These flattened brown insects resemble the wood ticks and are around half a centimeter in length. After they have fed, these bugs change from being nearly colorless to a purplish red color. However, it is quite difficult to discern a bed bug infestation in the house unless you observe the ugly red bed bug rashes on your entire body. This is because these parasites hide during the day and it is only at night that they come out to feed.

Bed Bugs Rashes

Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide exhaled by human beings and the heat emanated from the body. When these bugs draw blood from humans, they inject the saliva into the skin using one of the two tubes that they inject into the host's body. This saliva acts as an anticoagulant and an anesthetic. This enables the victim to not feel the bite immediately and a delay in the blood clot as well. In fact the skin rashes do not appear till around one week of the bite. The result is the appearance of multiple red itchy bumps on skin that may be swollen.

Distinguishing a bed bug rash from other insect bite rashes can be quite difficult. This is because these red patches on skin are quite similar to allergic skin conditions especially urticaria. The rashes tend to be grouped around together in a line and may appear in an hour or a day depending on the body's reaction to chemicals being secreted by the bed bugs. The rash starts off as a small inflamed red spot, similar to a mosquito bite. However, a short while after the single red spot seems to multiply. One of the distinguishing factors of the bed bug rashes is the itching which can be real aggravating especially if you are sensitive to insect bites. Unlike a mosquito bite where the itching stops an hour or so after the bite, bed bug bites can itch for a day or two depending on how sensitive you are to the chemicals released by the parasites.

Treatment

The bed bug rashes usually go away on their own once the causative factor is removed. Since they cause no other health related problems apart from the itching, it is best to let the rashes heal by themselves. However, for severe cases, antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) or Atarax (hydroxyzine) and certain cooling lotions may be prescribed to deal with the itching and the swelling.

Other than that calamine lotions and other non-steroidal topical anti-itch medication may be used to reduce the itching. A hydrocortisone cream and certain other over-the-counter steroid creams are quite efficient in reducing the swelling. It is important to remember that most of these types of medication will not resolve the problem of the red spots and can only alleviate the severe itching. In certain cases hydrocortisone cream may speed up the healing process though.

The best way to avoid the ugly bed bug rashes, you need to get rid of the bed bugs. This can be done by a professional exterminator from a pest control service. If you have a persistent problem of bed bug rashes, check the mattresses, couches and the beds. Most bed bugs hide in the lining and the nooks and corners of the furniture. Used furniture can harbor bugs and thus it is best to inspect them before getting it home. If your child is getting the rashes then check the stuffed animals, toys and clothing for the bugs.