close up image of a bed bug

What Does a Bed Bug Rash Look Like?

A bed bug rash consists of red welts and bumps on the skin caused by bed bug bites. Resulting in mild to serious itching, this skin condition often increases in severity with the size of the bed bug infestation. Rashes may cover a small section of skin or large portions of the body.

When feeding at night, bed bugs attack exposed areas like arms and legs. However, bed bug rashes might also appear on the face, neck, or chest. For many people, these pinkish-red marks lead to anxiety and discomfort.

Problems with Bed Bug Rashes

After a bite, bed bug rashes may take a few hours or up to two weeks to appear or never show up at all, depending on individual sensitivity. While the pests do not transmit disease, scratching rash areas can cause bleeding, scarring, or secondary infection.

Dogs and cats are also at risk for bed bug rashes. Pets may chew and scratch obsessively, which leads to bald patches in their fur as well as behaviour changes.

A bed bug rash usually fades within a few days, but in some cases, the irritation lasts for weeks. To reduce pain and swelling, avoid scratching and keep the affected area clean. Bed bug rashes and bites may reoccur as long as the infestation remains in the home.

Identifying Issues

One of the first signs of a bed bug infestation is usually red or brown stains from the pests’ waste on bedding. These insects also have a distinct, musty odour and leave small, white eggs cemented on the cracks and crevices of headboards, beds or mattress seams. If a bed bug rash accompanies these warning signs, call the bed bug experts at Orkin Canada for efficient pest removal services.