What do the bites of bed lice look on the body? - briefly
Bed bug bites manifest as tiny, red, raised welts that frequently appear in a line or cluster and can cause intense itching. They are usually 1–3 mm across and may show a central puncture point.
What do the bites of bed lice look on the body? - in detail
Bed‑bug bites appear as small, raised welts typically ranging from 2 mm to 5 mm in diameter. The central point may be a faint red dot or a tiny puncture mark, surrounded by a slightly darker, inflamed halo. Individual lesions are often smooth‑sided, lacking the raised edges seen with some other arthropod bites.
The reaction evolves over time. Within minutes, a faint erythema may be visible; after several hours, the surrounding area often enlarges and becomes more intensely red. The welts can persist for 24–48 hours, gradually fading to a lighter pink or brown discoloration that may linger for a week or longer.
Typical placement follows a linear or clustered pattern, reflecting the insect’s feeding behavior. Common sites include:
- Neck and jawline
- Upper arms and forearms
- Torso, especially the back and shoulders
- Legs, particularly the lower calf and ankle
Clusters of three to five bites arranged in a short line (often called a “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern) are characteristic.
Distinguishing features from other insect bites:
- Absence of a central puncture wound as seen with mosquito bites.
- Lack of a well‑defined, raised border typical of flea bites.
- Preference for exposed skin rather than areas covered by clothing.
Accompanying symptoms may include intense pruritus, localized swelling, and occasional secondary irritation from scratching. In rare cases, an allergic response can produce larger, urticarial plaques or systemic symptoms such as headache or fever.
Recognition of these specific visual and distributional cues aids in accurate identification and appropriate treatment.