Bed bugs feed on human blood. Their bites can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itches, swelling and welts. So, “How long do bed bug bites appear?”, it varies between individuals. Due to the tiny amount of anesthetic fluid it secretes before feeding when bed bugs bite you, you’re likely not going to feel it right away. While some people will react within minutes, others might have delayed reaction. But a common reaction is the appearance of a red bump which may present itching, swelling, and a burning sensation. These reactions can be very severe depending on the individual’s skin sensitivity.
Do you feel a bed bug bite immediately?
Do you feel a bed bug bite immediately, is one of the questions people ask when they feel they have a bed bug infestation. Most people can’t feel a bed bug even if it were crawling on them. Adults grow to 4-5mm (0.16-0.20 in.) long and 1.5-3mm (0.59-0188 in.) wide. Also, since their activities take place during the night, their presence is likely to go unnoticed. What happens during the bite itself? Their mouth parts are tiny to start with, so there’s every likelihood you won’t feel any pain. The anesthetic property of their saliva provides a soothing relieve during their bites. The bites only become apparent when your skin starts to react, the itchiness commences, and red discolorations appear.
Duration it takes for bites to appear?
The bites are visible as soon as feeding is complete. The only signs we can rely on are the itches and bumps that occur. Another symptom is the appearance of clusters or lines. This sign is a high-marker identification for bed bug bites. It is just like their trademarks. It serves as a ready “go-to” sign to differentiate bed bug bite from other insects’ bites – insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. A delayed reaction is the most rampant pattern, taking as much as two weeks. Though rare, a quick reaction immediately after each bite cycle in the space of say, a couple of hours can also occur in individuals. If the infestation is very large, then expect to wake up with new bite marks every day.
What factors play a role in bed bug bite reactions?
Many factors can play roles in how our bodies react to bed bug bites.
- Skin Sensitivity – Some peoples’ skin is more sensitive than others. So they are more likely to react adversely to bed bug bites. Intense itching, swelling, welts, bumps, burning sensations, skin irritations are some of the adverse reactions by the skin.
- Age of the Individual – Younger people have more delicate skin, which is very sensitive to any bite. Their skin tends to react more readily to bed bug bites. The reverse takes place in elderly people whose skin have lost that elasticity & sensitivity.
- Medications – If you’re on certain anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids, then you are not going to react quickly to bed bug bites. This is due to the fact that your body’s immune system has been repressed by these drugs.
How long do the bites last?
For most people, their bites will heal within one to two weeks, while others might take only a couple of days. As the healing process commences, the redness reduces, the itching becomes less intense and the pain generally subsides. Eventually, the bites would disappear. The good news is that no scars are left behind. But in severe cases of allergic reactions, a visible mark might be left behind. Avoid scratching as this can leave permanent marks also.
Finally, how long do bed bugs bites appear is a function of the makeup of the individual concerned. So, it is expected that treatment & healing modalities will differ. Your sure bet to a bedbug-free household is to adopt the right prevention strategy.
