What does a bedbug bite look like on infants? - briefly
Infants show tiny, red, raised welts that often appear in groups or in a line, sometimes accompanied by mild swelling and itching. These spots usually emerge within 24 hours of contact and lack a distinct puncture mark.
What does a bedbug bite look like on infants? - in detail
Bed‑bug bites on newborns and young children typically appear as small, raised spots that may be red or pink. The lesions are often grouped in a line or cluster, reflecting the insect’s feeding pattern of moving along the skin. Each individual bite measures about 2–5 mm in diameter and may develop a central puncture point where the insect’s mouthparts inserted.
Common visual features include:
- Swelling: mild to moderate elevation of the skin around the bite, sometimes forming a dome‑shaped papule.
- Color change: initial pinkness can darken to a reddish‑brown hue within 24 hours.
- Itching: infants may show signs of discomfort, such as rubbing the area, although they cannot verbalize itch.
- Secondary irritation: scratching can lead to excoriation, resulting in crusted or scabbed spots.
In many cases, the reaction is delayed; a bite may be invisible for several hours before the immune response produces visible inflammation. The distribution often favors exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, and legs, but can also involve the torso if clothing is thin.
When multiple bites occur, they may merge, creating larger, irregularly shaped patches. The presence of a central puncture, paired with a linear or clustered arrangement, helps distinguish bed‑bug lesions from other insect bites or allergic reactions.