Describe bed bug:
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Bed bug bites which occur primarily at night while you sleep, rarely cause serious health problems. The sores may appear as raised, itchy bumps and occur anywhere from a few seconds to several weeks following a bite.
Identification
The identification of bed bugs is important. Common characteristics of nymphs (young bed bugs) include:
Size and shape:
Adult bugs are typically less than 5mm in length
An oval-shaped body
The size of an apple seed
A body that is fairly flat until it feeds
Color:
Whitish yellow or clear colored
Most adult bed bugs are reddish-brown to light brown or tan.
Antennae:
They have short-segment antennae.
Legs:
Bed bugs have six legs and they use this mobility.
Body:
Three segments, an antenna with four parts, short yellow hairs, and unusable wings
Behaviour:
It is typically come to night feed. A musty or stale-sweet scent is released by glands on the underbelly. Adult bed bugs are invisible without a microscope or magnifying glass.
Symptoms
Bed bugs bite any area of the skin. Typically, bites tend to occur on areas exposed during sleeping, such as:
Face
Shoulder
Neck
Arms
Legs
The most common sign of bed bug infection is waking up with red, itchy bites on your skin. They can leave small bloodstains on your sheets or pillowcases when they bite. Almost all bed bug bites will produce some degree of discomfort, typically itchiness and inflammation. Other signs and symptoms of bed bug bites include:
A burning painful sensation
A raised, itchy bump with a clear center
A red or purplish itchy bump with a dark center and lighter swollen surrounding area
Small spots of blood from bites are often dried or stained onto sheets or bed clothing. The signs indicate the presence of fecal matter, bedding, or furniture, and a sweet musty odor.
While fairly rare, some people develop severe reactions and symptoms from bed bug bites. Serious symptoms that require medical attention include:
Blisters
Fever
Feeling nausea, and flu-like
Irregular heartbeat
In some cases bites may develop into blisters or hives, causing further discomfort. The intensity of the itching can also vary, with some individuals experiencing mild irritation and others enduring more severe itching sensations. You should contact your doctor if you get any severe symptoms of bed bugs.
Complications
Living with bed bugs can cause additional health complications:
Increased likelihood of infection:
Infection is more likely when there is damage to the skin’s surface.
Sleep deprivation:
Anxiety about bed bugs actively feeding during the night can be stressful. Some people may avoid sleep or will only get fitful or restless sleep.
Decreased well-being:
Repeated poor sleep may be linked to depression, anxiety, general fatigue, and lowered immune function. Misconceptions about bed bugs, especially the mistaken association with a lack of cleanliness, can worsen these problems.
Treatment:
Dealing with bed bug bites can be frustrating, but there are ways to alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Over-the-counter creams, antihistamines, and cold compresses can offer relief. Apply an anti-itch cream or lotion, which can help with the symptoms of bed bug bites. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is crucial to ensure proper care.
In case your itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe you a stronger steroid cream or recommend prescription antihistamine medication. If a person experiences or continues to experience severe swelling, or inflammation he or she seeks medical attention. A strong immune response could indicate an allergic reaction.
If infections occur, doctors may prescribe antibiotics. Severe itchiness may result in further complications, such as infection or scarring. If people experience severe itching, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroid creams and antihistamine pills or liquid.
