What does a mattress bug bite look like? - briefly
Mattress‑bug bites appear as small, red, raised welts, often grouped in a line or cluster and may itch or burn. The spots are typically painless at first, then develop a mild swelling and a surrounding halo of irritation.
What does a mattress bug bite look like? - in detail
A bite from a bed‑bug typically appears as a small, raised spot about 2–5 mm in diameter. The center is often a pale or pinkish dot surrounded by a slightly reddened halo. In many cases several bites are grouped together, forming a linear or clustered pattern that reflects the insect’s feeding motion. The lesions may be itchy, and the itching can intensify several hours after the bite occurs.
Key visual features include:
- Size: roughly the tip of a pencil eraser.
- Color progression: pale core → pink/red ring → possible darkening if inflammation increases.
- Arrangement: linear rows, “breakfast‑lunch‑dinner” pattern, or tight clusters of three to five spots.
- Surface texture: mildly raised, sometimes with a central punctum where the proboscis entered.
- Duration: redness may persist 24–48 hours; swelling can last up to a week, especially if scratched.
The reaction varies with individual sensitivity. Some people develop only faint redness, while others experience pronounced swelling and intense pruritus. Secondary infection is possible if the area is scratched excessively, leading to crusting or pus formation. Recognizing the characteristic size, coloration, and grouping pattern helps differentiate these bites from those of mosquitoes, fleas, or allergic skin conditions.