How do bedbug bites look on the body? - briefly
They appear as tiny, red, raised spots, typically 1–3 mm across, often arranged in a line or cluster. The lesions are itchy and may show a central puncture mark.
How do bedbug bites look on the body? - in detail
Bed‑bug bites appear as small, raised spots that are usually 1–5 mm in diameter. The central area may be pink or red, surrounded by a slightly darker halo. In some cases the surrounding ring is paler, giving a target‑like pattern. The lesions are often grouped in clusters of three to five punctures, sometimes aligned in a straight line or a zig‑zag formation, reflecting the insect’s feeding motion.
The skin reaction evolves over time:
- Immediate (minutes to a few hours): faint redness, mild swelling, and a tingling sensation.
- Early (4–24 hours): increased redness, swelling, and a pronounced itch; the center may become slightly raised.
- Late (1–3 days): the spot may turn darker, developing a bruise‑like hue; itching can intensify.
- Resolution (7–14 days): color fades, swelling subsides, and the lesion may leave a faint hyperpigmented mark that can persist for weeks.
Typical locations include exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, and hands, but bites also occur on concealed skin that contacts the mattress, such as the back, shoulders, and legs. The distribution pattern often mirrors where a person’s body rested against the sleeping surface.
Key distinguishing features compared with other arthropod bites:
- Multiple lesions in close proximity.
- Linear or triangular arrangements.
- Absence of a central puncture wound; the bite is a superficial puncture without a visible bite mark.
- Persistent itching that may outlast the visible redness.
When the reaction is severe, secondary inflammation or infection can develop, evident as increased warmth, pus, or spreading redness. In such cases medical evaluation is recommended.