Bed Bugs
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat insects that bite your exposed skin and feed on your blood while you sleep. Bed bugs hide in the folds and seams of bed linens, furniture cracks, and electrical outlets. They are common in buildings with shared walls, such as hotels or apartments.
What are the signs and symptoms of bed bug bites?
Any of the following may appear anywhere from hours to days after you were bitten:
- One or more red and swollen areas that are irritated or itch
- Marks that may be in a straight line or in random areas
- Sores that look like bites from a mosquito or flea
- Swelling
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Open sores from scratching the bites
How are bed bug bites treated?
Bites usually go away on their own. You may need medicines to help decrease itching and inflammation. These may be given as a pill, cream, or ointment. Do not scratch the bite marks. Scratching may cause a skin infection.
What can I do to prevent bed bugs?
Bed bugs can be spread easily from one person to another. Do the following to lower the risk for bed bugs:
- Protect your clothes and luggage when you travel. Inspect them often for bed bugs. Keep your luggage closed tightly when you are not using it. Keep your luggage in the bathroom, or place contents in sealed plastic bags.
- Inspect any used items you bring into your home. You may need to fumigate used furniture. Examine cardboard boxes or other items with small cracks where bed bugs could hide.
- Remove clutter from the area where you sleep. Place your mattress or box spring in a sealed bag. Seal any cracks or molding in the walls or furniture.
- Wash bed linens and clothes in hot, soapy water. Wash the items in water that is at least 130°F (50°C) for 2 hours. Dry them in a dryer on the hot setting for at least 20 minutes. Dry cleaning is also effective to get rid of bed bugs.
- Tell someone about the bed bugs. This may include a landlord, hotel manager, or pest control company. Insecticide sprays are used to get rid of bed bugs.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint.
- Your heart is beating faster than usual.
- You are vomiting and cannot stop.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have very swollen, painful bite marks.
- You have a fever.
- You have open sores that are draining pus.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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Further information
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