Do Bed Bug Bites Itch?
Out of all bug bites, bed bug bites are known to be one of the itchiest. After they bite you, the red bumps that are left behind can swell up and become itchy rather quickly. Although not every person reacts to bed bug bites, itchiness is the most common symptom for those that do. The most common side effects of bed bug bites are:
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
Bed Bug Bite Symptoms
You don’t feel bed bug bites when they happen, but not because you’re usually asleep: When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten. When you do start to notice the bite—typically several hours later—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.
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How Long Will I Have a Bed Bug Bite?
If you let them heal properly, bed bug bites should clear up in about two week’s time. People with stronger reactions to insect bites may notice bites take three weeks or longer to heal. For the easiest, quickest healing process, it’s important to avoid scratching the bite and to let the healing take its course naturally. While rare, bed bug bites can have more serious symptoms and will need to be attended to by a medical professional.
Can I Scratch Bed Bug bites?
As you would with most types of bites or bumps, 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. While tempting, always avoid the temptation to scratch away at your bed bug bites.