These allergic reactions can be triggered by a number of different chemicals found in bed bug saliva, which is why symptoms are so varied. Your immune system might be reacting to an anesthetic chemical that bed bugs use to prevent people from noticing them when they bite.
A bed bug problem can damage you and your family's immune systems in several ways. Your immune system replenishes itself when you sleep. If bed bugs are keeping you up all night, you're more susceptible to illness. Other issues such as infection, allergic reactions, and stress can weaken your immune system in no time.
Bed bug bites can also lead to anaphylaxis, a rapid-onset, full-body allergic reaction which causes symptoms such as: Feeling warm, flushed, and/or dizzy, which can lead to fainting. Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and/or nausea. Hives and intense itching.
bed bug bites aren't actually dangerous. But like any bug bite, excess scratching can bring on a skin infection that can be dangerous. Bed bugs aren't known to spread any diseases either, unlike the mosquito, which is known for spreading viruses including West Nile virus and yellow fever.
On regression analysis, patients with bed bugs were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with COPD (P = 0.01), CHF (P = 0.003), pneumonia (P = 0.006), and pulmonary edema (P = 0.049).
While bed bugs have not been shown to transmit disease, they do cause a variety of negative physical health, mental health and economic consequences. Some of these effects include: Allergic reactions to their bites, which can be severe.
Other people may be allergic to the bed bugs and can react adversely to the bites. These allergic symptoms can include enlarged bite marks, painful swelling at the bite site and on rare occasions, anaphylaxis.
Although bed bug bites can often heal on their own, some people are allergic to bed bugs and can get hives. In addition, severe itching and scratching could lead to a localized infection. Contact a doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible if you see severe bites or symptoms, such as: Blisters.
Essential oils. While essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and peppermint are popularly recommended for DIY bed bug treatments due to their strong scents and supposed insect-repellent properties, there is not much scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in eradicating bed bug infestations.
It's not introduced by the bite, but rather when the bite comes in contact with the bed bug fecal matter. This can cause Chagas disease, sometimes called American trypanosomiasis. Chagas is a disease that causes heart damage as well as damage to the central nervous system and can be very serious.
Bedbug bites usually cause itchy welts. These welts usually appear in a zigzag pattern as show in the photo below.
Some insect and spider bites or stings can cause flu-like symptoms to develop within hours of a bite or sting.
Bedbugs die at 120 degrees, so one of the steps I took to fight bedbugs was laundry control. Keep clothes/fabrics off the floor, when washing use hottest water (with Borax) and then dry in dryer, being sure to dry extra 20 minutes to kill all bugs/eggs/nymphs.
Some people have a reaction to the bites. They can be very itchy and there may be painful swelling. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is also possible but rare.
Bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty home or poor personal hygiene. Bed bugs are hitchhikers - they travel to new places by hiding in furniture, suitcases, or other objects that get moved around.
Sleep deprivation: Anxiety about bedbugs actively feeding during the night can be stressful. Some people may avoid sleep or will only get fitful or restless sleep. Decreased well-being: Repeated poor sleep may be linked to depression, anxiety, general fatigue, and lowered immune function.
Bed bugs are sensitive to strong smells and certain scents can help keep them away. Essential oils like lavender, tea tree and peppermint are popular choices. These oils not only smell good but also act as natural repellents.
Although it sounds like a grim choice, it is best to continue sleeping in the infested area using the population reduction methods described above, until the bed bugs are eliminated.
Apply a heavy coat to the bites, let dry for an hour or more, and wash off with warm water. The menthol contained in toothpaste works well as an anti-itch remedy.
Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown blood-sucking, wingless insects. Bedbug bites usually clear up without treatment in a week or two. Bedbugs aren't known to spread disease, but they can cause an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction in some people. Bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed.
Bedbug bites don't usually need treatment, as they usually disappear on their own within a week or two. You might ease symptoms by using: A skin cream containing hydrocortisone (Cortaid) An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
They are nocturnal insects that feed on human blood, often leaving small blood stains on the fabric. Another sign of bed bugs is the presence of tiny, dark fecal spots. These are often found along seams or in folds of clothing. A musty odor, similar to that of a wet towel, can also indicate the presence of bed bugs.
Bed bug bites: One to three days after a bite, monitor for symptoms of an allergic reaction such as hives, itching or swelling at the bite site; abdominal pain, cramping or nausea; tightness of the chest or difficulty breathing; trouble swallowing or swelling of the tongue.
You may feel bed bugs crawling on your body, especially when you're trying to sleep or if more than one pest is feeding on you once. You might also imagine the crawling feeling when the bugs are gone. Bed bug infestations can leave homeowners with psychological distress that may manifest in this way.