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Do Bed Bug Bites Itch?

Bed bug bites can leave itchy, red, swollen marks on your skin. Although not every person has harsh reactions to bed bug bites, itchiness is the most common side effect for those that experience symptoms.

Usual side effects of bed bug bites include:

  • Itchiness
  • Redness
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
Do bed bugs itch in Northern Utah - Rentokil

Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites are not felt right away. This is because bed bugs inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevent people from discovering that they are being bitten. When the bite does form in the next few hours or days, there are several common symptoms that you might experience. The bite will appear red and swollen and will be irritating to the skin. Some side effects of bed bug bites include welts, rashes, itchiness, and insomnia.

How Long do Bed Bug Bites Stay?

Bed bug bites usually last for one to two weeks if they heal properly. People that are known to react poorly to insect bites may notice that their bites take three weeks or longer to heal. In general, letting a bite heal properly without scratching it is the best way to get rid of the bites quickly. If your bed bug bites take too long to heal or if you have an allergic reaction, bring your concerns to the attention of a medical professional as soon as you can.

Can You Scratch a Bed Bug Bite?

Just like lots of insect bites, it’s crucial to refrain from scratching. Scratching a bed bug bite can set back the healing process, re-open painful wounds, and worsen your symptoms. Bed bug bites can become infected in serious cases. Symptoms of an infected bug bite will be much worse and could even cause a fever or lymph node swelling. In this case, seek help from a medical professional right away. 

Do Bed Bug Bites Itch? in Salt Lake County and Northern Utah

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