Common Misdiagnosis for Bed Bug Bites

Over the years, customers have shared with me how their doctor has misdiagnosed bed bug bites.

A Rash is the most common misdiagnosis, perhaps caused by a food allergy, an allergy to fabrics like wool or a reaction to new laundry soap.

Other insects are often given the blame.

• Spiders bite in the spring.
• Mosquitos get a bad rap over the summer and bite any exposed skin.
• Fleas can seem like the culprit in the fall and bite only from the knee down.
• Lice live only in our hair any time of year.
• Scabies are mites that burrow under your skin between your fingers, toes and behind your knees. They itch a lot more than bed bug bites.
• Crabs like dark, warm and moist places on your body.

One customer shared their story of the doctor at the Children’s Hospital diagnosing Chicken Pox for bed bug bites.

In the early stages of an infestation, adult bed bug bites are found in groups of three or four puffy red welts. As their numbers multiply, the bites will range in size from little red dots to large welts and will be found all over your body. As bed bugs inject a numbing agent into the wound, you will not feel them biting, but you will be itchy afterward.

Heat will kill most insects but you should consult your doctor if you have scabies for treatment.