Bed bugs
About Bed bugs
Small oval non-flying insects the size of apple seeds. They hide in the cracks and crevices of beds, in the box springs of beds, under peeling paint, under carpets, in the upholstery seams of furniture, and under light switches or outlets. They come out at night and feed by sucking the blood of humans or animals. Patients are more likely to acquire bed bugs if they sleep in hotels or shelters. They can be difficult to remove and may require a professional exterminator.Symptoms
Small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin. Redness, swelling and itching. The most commonly affected sites are the hands, arms, face, and neck.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be done. Rarely a skin biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy is aimed at reducing the symptoms with topical steroid creams such as hydrocortisone and oral antihistamines. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs antibiotics such as cephalexin or clindamycin will be prescribed. The bedding will need to be treated or even replaced to prevent recurrence of the disease.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Pediatric Dermatology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Bed bugs.