Bed Bugs
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Bed bugs
are small, flat insects that bite your exposed skin and feed on your blood while you sleep. Bed bugs hide in the folds and seams of bed linens, furniture cracks, and electrical outlets. They are common in buildings with shared walls, such as hotels or apartments.
Common symptoms of bed bug bites
may appear anywhere from hours to days after you were bitten:
- One or more red and swollen areas that are irritated or itch
- Marks that may be in a straight line or in random areas
- Sores that look like bites from a mosquito or flea
- Swelling
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Open sores from scratching the bites
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat.
Seek care immediately if:
- You feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint.
- Your heart is beating faster than usual.
- You are vomiting and cannot stop.
Call your doctor if:
- You have very swollen, painful bite marks.
- You have a fever.
- You have open sores that are draining pus.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment for bed bug bites
may include medicines to help decrease itching and inflammation. These may be given as a pill, cream, or ointment. Do not scratch the bite marks. Scratching can cause a skin infection.
Prevent bed bugs:
- Protect your clothes and luggage when you travel. Inspect them often for bed bugs. Keep your luggage closed tightly when you are not using it. Keep your luggage in the bathroom, or place contents in sealed plastic bags.
- Inspect any used items you bring into your home. You may need to fumigate used furniture. Examine cardboard boxes or other items with small cracks where bed bugs could hide.
- Remove clutter from the area where you sleep. Place your mattress or box spring in a sealed bag. Seal any cracks or molding in the walls or furniture.
- Wash bed linens and clothes in hot, soapy water. Wash the items in water that is at least 130°F (50°C) for 2 hours. Dry them in a dryer on the hot setting for at least 20 minutes. Dry cleaning is also effective to get rid of bed bugs.
- Tell someone about the bed bugs. This may include a landlord, hotel manager, or pest control company. Insecticide sprays are used to get rid of bed bugs.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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