If you are looking for some info on bed bug bites, read the following article. Bed bugs can be defined as small parasites that feed on the blood of humans. All insects that belong to the family of Cimicidae feed on the blood of mammals. Bed bug bites are not considered dangerous, but they can cause certain skin problems, such as skin rashes and allergic reactions. It is not very easy to diagnose bed bug bites. However, it is helpful to know what they look like. We will describe the symptoms, but let us first say something about bed bugs.

What Are Bed Bugs?
■ Bed bugs are parasites that live in beds, closets, and wall cracks. These bugs are nocturnal, they feed during the night, and people cannot feel their bites right away. The bites will be visible after several days.
■ Bed bugs are brownish or reddish; they have flattened bodies without any hind wings. Adult bed bugs can grow to some five millimeters in length. In the beginning, bed bugs are light in color, but as they grow, the color changes to brown. These parasites are often mistaken for insects like carpet beetles, booklice, etc. Bed bugs communicate by using kairomones and pheromones.
Bed Bug Bite Symptoms
■ The symptoms usually do not appear right away. As we said, the bites will be visible after several days. You will see small reddish bumps, grouped together on your face, neck, arms or shoulders. If you see such rashes, you will probably think that it is some kind of allergy. The bites will become itchy after a couple of days. However, some people do not experience such symptoms. In most cases, sensitive people have symptoms like itchiness and burning sensation. Others can go without these symptoms. In most people (those who are not very sensitive), the rashes will subside after a week or so, without any medical treatment. Most people do not even know they have been bitten, because they do not have any symptoms.
■ As you know, your skin can react differently, depending on the part of your body. For example, if you have bites on your face and hands, you are likely to experience skin irritation.
■ Your skin can get even more irritated if exposed to sweat, chlorinated water, warm water, etc. If you see blisters on your skin, go to your doctor right away. As we said, some people are sensitive and they can react to bed bug bites. Allergic reaction is not very common, but it is possible. If you experience any sign of allergic reaction, call your doctor right away.
■ Some people have bad-looking rashes. Swelling, redness and itchiness can also occur. Blisters can occur after a couple of days. Bed bugs usually eat once a month. That is why these symptoms can reoccur. In most people, the rash disappears after a week or so, but it can come back after a week or two, because bed bugs will need more blood.
■ Take a look at your bed sheets. If you see small dark spots on the sheets, this can be an indicator that you have bed bugs.
■ Some people are allergic to certain components of bed bug saliva. In such cases, severe allergic reactions are possible. However, these cases are very rare.
■ Skin can get damaged, but only if you scratch it. Therefore, you should not touch the affected skin. You can use some remedies to relieve the itchiness. Some of the most popular remedies for bed bug bites include lavender oil, calamine lotion, olive oil, baking soda, antibacterial soaps and cold water. Antibacterial soap will lower the risk of secondary infections. Lavender oil will reduce the itchiness. You can use cold water to relive the burning sensation. However, before you start using any remedies, it will be wise to talk to your dermatologist. You have to be certain that these really are bed bug bites, before starting any treatment.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs
■ You can try several methods of prevention. The most effective way is to call some of the companies that are specialized in pest control and prevention. They will use special chemicals for this purpose.
■ You can also call professional furniture cleaners. They will clean your furniture and you will be safe for a while. However, you will have to maintain the hygiene in your home.
■ Remove your old furniture from the house. Bed bugs live in bed frames, mattresses, armchairs, etc. They can even be found in the wall cracks.
