Can Bed Bugs Cause a Rash?
Although bedbug bites can be unpleasant, they usually go away on their own in a week or two. If you are worried about itching, consider visiting a doctor or urgent care center. Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine or an anti-itch cream, and you can also use steroid creams. The steroids present in these creams can help dry out the itchy skin.
Bedbugs are small, apple-seed-sized insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded mammals. They live in dark, dry areas and only emerge to feed in the early morning. While bedbug bites are not painful, the substance they secrete when bitten causes an itchy rash with scattered pink and red bumps.
The rash from bedbug bites can last from two hours to a week or more. The rash will peak in the first few days and then fade away. However, if you have a severe infestation, the rash may be persistent. In extreme cases, a doctor may be needed.
Hives are the result of an allergic reaction to a bedbug bite. They usually appear on your arms, legs, or neck, but can also appear anywhere on your body. The rash is typically red, and the skin surrounding it will also be paler than usual.