Bed bug bite symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to a bed bug salivary protein. Bites are allergic reactions can can vary from person to person. They can also get more severe each time a person is bitten. Some people show no reaction at all, while others can develop small red inflamed areas , large red wheals or blisters. The center of a bedbug bite where the puncture of the skin actually occurs is clear. All reactions usually itch. Symptoms that appear within 1 hour to 1 day resolve themselves in 3 to 4 days. Symptoms that appear in 1 to 14 days take 2 to 5 days to clear. If bites do not heal, or if their are signs of infection such as puss or crusts, then medical attention is needed.
The typical reaction is a raised red round area 3/8 inch in diameter. Most bites itch. To help with itch, either purchase an over the counter insect itch cream or you can purchase one made specifically to soothe skin bitten by bed bugs.
If the bedbug bites are scratched, a secondary infection could set in from breaking the skin with a finger nail. If symptoms do not go away by themselves in several days, or if the reaction looks infected such as having puss or crusts, then see a doctor for an anti-biotic cream or oral anti-biotic.
