What happens if you are bitten by a bedbug? - briefly
A bedbug bite generally produces a tiny, red, itchy welch that may develop a raised bump and mild swelling. The irritation is usually harmless and subsides within a week, though allergic reactions or secondary infection can cause more pronounced symptoms.
What happens if you are bitten by a bedbug? - in detail
A bedbug bite is a localized skin reaction caused by the insect’s saliva, which contains anticoagulants and anesthetic compounds. When the mouthparts penetrate the epidermis, the immune system responds to foreign proteins, producing a cascade of histamine release.
Typical manifestations appear within minutes to a few hours:
- Red, raised welts often arranged in a linear or clustered pattern.
- Intense itching that may persist for several days.
- Swelling that can enlarge if the area is scratched or if an allergic predisposition exists.
In most individuals the lesions resolve spontaneously within one to two weeks without scarring. However, certain outcomes require attention:
- Secondary infection: Persistent scratching can break the skin barrier, allowing bacterial colonization (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes). Signs include increased pain, pus, warmth, and spreading erythema.
- Allergic reaction: A subset of people develop large, urticarial plaques or experience systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, or malaise. Severe cases may progress to anaphylaxis, characterized by airway swelling, hypotension, and rapid pulse.
- Post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Darkening of the affected area may persist for months, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.
Management focuses on symptom control and prevention of complications:
- Topical therapy: Over‑the‑counter corticosteroid creams reduce inflammation; antihistamine ointments alleviate itching.
- Systemic medication: Oral antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine) for widespread pruritus; short courses of oral corticosteroids for severe allergic responses.
- Wound care: Clean lesions with mild soap and water; apply antiseptic dressings if abrasion occurs.
- Infection treatment: Empiric antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin) when bacterial involvement is evident; culture-guided therapy for resistant organisms.
Medical evaluation is warranted if any of the following develop: rapid expansion of swelling, fever exceeding 38 °C, signs of systemic allergic reaction, or persistent lesions beyond two weeks.
Prevention remains critical. Regular inspection of bedding, use of encasements for mattresses and box springs, and professional pest‑control interventions interrupt the infestation cycle, thereby reducing the likelihood of new bites.