What does a bedbug bite look like on the body? - briefly
«Bedbug bites appear as small, red, raised welts, frequently arranged in a linear or clustered pattern and accompanied by intense itching». They may develop a central punctum and swell within a few hours.
What does a bedbug bite look like on the body? - in detail
A bedbug bite appears as a small, circular, reddish papule, typically 2–5 mm in diameter. The centre often remains pale while the surrounding skin is flushed, giving a halo‑like effect. The lesion is raised and may develop a tiny vesicle or a thin, transparent blister at the apex.
Within a few hours the bite becomes intensely pruritic. Scratching can increase the erythema and cause a palpable, slightly firm swelling that may persist for several days. In some cases, a secondary rash forms around the primary spot, creating a larger, irregularly shaped area of inflammation.
Bites are most frequently found on exposed regions such as the forearms, hands, neck, face, and legs. Multiple lesions often occur in close proximity, forming a linear or clustered pattern that reflects the insect’s feeding behavior. A common arrangement is a “breakfast‑lunch‑dinner” line, where three or more bites appear in a short row.
Key characteristics that help differentiate these bites from other arthropod reactions:
- Size: 2–5 mm, sharply defined edge
- Color: central pallor with peripheral redness, sometimes a dark spot in the centre (ecchymosis) after several days
- Distribution: clusters or linear groups on exposed skin
- Timing: onset of itching within 1–2 hours after feeding
- Evolution: may develop a small vesicle, then resolve without scarring in 1–2 weeks
When lesions persist beyond two weeks, become increasingly painful, or show signs of infection such as pus, warmth, or spreading redness, medical evaluation is advised.