Bed Bugs Rash Facts
More than half a century ago, bed bugs were a rampant problem and almost every home was infested. They were exterminated mostly by the use of some very hash chemicals that were almost as bad as the infestation itself. While they were brought under control for many decades, they are now a problem again, due in part to the banning of certain pesticides and that most people thought they were eradicated. Unfortunately, because of this, their numbers have been on the rise and can often be found in hotel bedrooms, not just in the United States but also around the globe.
The biggest problem is that they love to hide in tiny cracks and crevices and don’t come out until you are asleep. The other problem is that their bite is virtually painless and can take up to twenty-four hours for an allergic reaction to occur; so many people don’t associate the rash with bed bugs. Then there is also the underlying fear of these pests in general, nobody wants to admit they have them.
Bed bugs can get into your home in many ways. The can ride unsuspectingly in your clothes, and luggage. If you have stayed at a hotel, whether domestically or internationally, they could have come home with you. If you spend the night at a friend’s house that has them, you could have unknowingly brought them home. It doesn’t take long for one or two of them to turn into hundreds or thousands in a matter of weeks.
Within twenty-four hours or so after being bitten, there are some definite signs to be on the lookout for.
One is small red dots on the skin, usually in areas that are uncovered, neck arms and legs. However, bed bug rashes can occur anywhere on the body.
These rash dots can be in a line pattern, of two or more, sometimes in little clumps. They are usually raised bumps that are extremely irritating and itch.
They can look like little bite marks, raised bumps and even small welts on the skin.
Both the itchiness as well as the rash can last up to a week or more and can be very irritating.
If you suspect bed bugs, this issue needs to be addressed immediately. There are several things you can do to get rid of them if you have them in your home.
If you pull back the sheets and see a bunch of red or brown dots on the mattress, especially around the cracks and crevices, these are bed bugs. You need to strip the beds bare, as well as any cushion covers for chairs and couches, as well as any other place that can hide them.
All materials must be thoroughly washed in soapy water and put in the dryer at temperatures over 113 degrees Fahrenheit. While you can’t put your bed and larger items in the washer, renting a steam cleaner will do the trick. Bed bugs as a species can’t survive in these and higher temperatures. If you can afford to, hire a professional to come in and take care of the problem for you. If not, then you need to make sure you get into all the places where they like to hide.