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Do Bed Bug Bites Itch?

Bed bug bites can leave red, inflamed marks on your skin that are very itchy. Although not every person reacts to bed bug bites, itchiness is the most common symptom for those that do.

Learn if bed bug bites itch from Active Pest Control in Atlanta GA & Knoxville TN metros and surrounding areas

The most common side effects of bed bug bites are:

  • Itchiness
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness

Symptoms of Bed Bugs

Bed bug bites are not felt immediately because the bugs inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten. When the bite does appear in a few hours or days, there are several common symptoms reported. The bite will appear slightly swollen and red, and will itch or irritate the skin. Common side effects of bed bug bites include insomnia, skin problems, and anxiety from the infestation.

 

How Long do Bed Bug Bites Last?

After forming, bed bug bites can last for one to two weeks if they heal properly. People with stronger reactions to insect bites in general may notice bites take three weeks or longer to heal. In general, letting a bite heal properly (without scratching it) is your best bet of getting rid of the bites quickly. Few people may react to bites poorly and even have an allergic reaction, which needs to be brought to the attention of a medical professional immediately.

Is it Bad to Scratch a Bed Bug Bite?

Just like most insect bites, it’s very important to resist the urge to scratch. Scratching a bed bug bite can delay the healing process, re-open more serious wounds, and make the bites even worse! In serious cases, bed bug bites can become infected. Symptoms would be much worse and could cause a fever or nearby lymph node swelling. In this case, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible.

Do Bed Bug Bites Itch? in Georgia

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