Bed bug bites on kids can be more prominent than on adults due to their sensitive skin. These tiny reddish-brown insects can bite on humans to feed blood, and their bite marks may look reddish, flat, or bumped skin lesions in clusters or a zigzag line. Although bed bugs may not cause severe illness in children, sleep disturbances, allergic reactions, and bacterial skin infections in the bite areas could cause irritation and discomfort.
Doctors recommended medical treatments for symptoms such as itching and to prevent skin infections (1). However, extermination and pest control services provided by experienced professionals are the only effective solutions to prevent bed bug bites and eliminate infestations from the bed and other home furniture. Read on to know the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of bed bug bites on kids and how bed bug infestation is prevented.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Bed Bug Bites On Children?
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Bed bug bites are often confused with mosquito or flea bites, but they appear different and may take longer to develop. The signs and symptoms of bed bug bites may vary in each child. Some children may not have any symptoms, whereas others may develop life-threatening allergic reactions.
The following may help you to distinguish a bed bug bite from other insect bites (2).
- Red skin rashes due to bug bites
- Bites are usually in clusters, with three to five bites in a cluster
- Bites cause welts that mostly appear in a zig-zag pattern
- Bites are mostly on uncovered areas of the body, such as hands, face, and neck
- Mild to severe itching or allergic reactions could be present
In some cases, severe reactions can occur with:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Tight chest
- Difficulty swallowing
- Lip or tongue swelling
- Hoarseness
- stridor
Sometimes, children may complain of itching, especially at night, but you may not find any skin rashes since it may take up to 14 days for bite marks to appear in some people (3).
Quick factAn anonymous blogger and mother of two describes her daughter’s symptoms after a bed bug bite incident. She shares, “A few Sundays ago, our eldest daughter, Vera, started complaining that her back and shoulders were itching. Lo and behold, it looked like a rash. The next day, we took her to the doctor. “Looks like bed bug bites,” she (the doctor) said… The odd thing was none of us had any bites. Vera had no new bites, and her rash was fading fast (i).”
Sources Of Bed Bug Infestation
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Human travel is the significant cause of bed bug infestation since bed bugs can latch on school or travel bags, shoes, suitcases, boxes, and other items that allow a spot to hide (4). Second-hand mattresses and furniture could also be a source of these pests.
Bed bug infestations are common in crowded living areas where more number of people lodge, such as:
- Dorm rooms
- Hotels
- Shelters
- Refugee camps
- Trains, buses, and cruise ships
If you visit any of the above places, you may transport bed bugs back to your home on your luggage. After infesting a new place, bed bugs can spread from one item or one room to another. They can hide in mattresses, couches, wallpapers, picture frames, electrical switch plates, baseboards, folded clothes, and even cracks and crevices in the wall.
Bed bug infestation can occur even in clean-looking environments. The bugs may also survive for a long duration on objects without feed.
Did you know?Tips To Prevent Bed Bugs At Home
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Tackling and controlling bed bug infestation requires professional help from an exterminator experienced in bed bug elimination (3). Pesticides and non-chemical treatments are often used. The bugs can survive for long without food, so periodic bug treatments are required for complete removal.
Bug sprays and certain insecticides help kill bugs. Besides maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, you may also try the following non-chemical methods to tackle bed bugs (5).
- Vacuum cleaning of mattresses, sofa, carpets, etc., could physically remove bugs. You may have to empty the vacuum after each use.
- Wash and dry the clothes and bed covers at high temperatures to kill bugs.
- Steam non-washable clothes and items for five to ten minutes with an electric garment steamer.
- Seal suitcases, bags, or furniture suspected to be infested in a plastic bag for several months.
- Ensure mattresses and furniture items are bug-free before purchase. If possible, have them treated with anti-bug treatment before bringing them home.
- You may have to discard heavily infested mattresses, couches, and pieces of furniture to prevent further spread of the bugs.
- Inspect second-hand furniture for bugs before bringing them home.
Things to knowRisks And Complications Of Bed Bug Bites On Children
Sleep disturbances due to itching caused by bed bug bites could affect your child’s general well-being. Excessive itching could result in skin damage, followed by secondary bacterial skin infections. However, bed bugs are not known to cause any diseases.
Health risks of bed bug bite may vary in each child and can range from no reactions or mild itching to severe allergic reactions (3).
When To See A Doctor
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Seek emergency medical care if your kid has a severe allergic reaction after bed bug bites. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include breathing difficulty, fever, skin blisters or skin hives, and a general feeling of sickness. You may also consult a healthcare provider for a prescription to control intense itching and signs of skin infection.
How Are Bed Bug Bites Diagnosed In Children?
The type of rash and other symptoms could help the pediatrician establish the diagnosis.
You may also look for the presence of bed bugs on the mattress and furniture. There is a higher chance of finding bugs during night hours since they are most active at night. Look for the following indicators to check for bed bugs (3).
- Presence of bed bugs in the folds of mattress or crevices of the bed.
- Molts or shed exoskeleton that appears pale yellow to yellowish-brown.
- Black, reddish, or rusty spots on furniture or mattress indicate the blood-filled excrement of the bugs.
- Constant sweet, musty odor in the room due to substances emanated by the bugs.
- Presence of several tiny white specks that could indicate bed bugs eggs. The eggs are tiny and likely to be visible against a dark background.
A child may experience itching without any rashes. Sharing the above findings with the doctor could be useful for making a diagnosis.
Home Remedies To Treat Bed Bug Bites
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The following home remedies can be used to reduce bug bite itching (2).
- Washing the bite area with soap and water may help reduce itching and also prevent skin infection.
- Non-prescription lotions or creams that contain pramoxine or other anti-itch therapies (ex: Neutrogena Skin Aid, Sarna, Aveeno Anti-Itch)
- Applying corticosteroid creams after consulting a doctor may help reduce itching. If your child has severe itching, skin infection, or allergic reactions, you may consult a healthcare provider for stronger corticosteroid medications or antibiotic prescriptions.
If your child has severe itching, skin infection, or allergic reactions, you may consult a healthcare provider for stronger corticosteroid medications or antibiotic prescriptions.
Treatment For Bed Bug Bites On Children
Skin rash due to a bed bug bite may disappear within one or two weeks without any treatment. However, doctors may prescribe hydrocortisone (Cortaid) skin creams or ointments to prevent itching.
Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), are prescribed for children with severe and intense itching. Topical antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics are prescribed if a child has a skin infection or severe skin damage from scratching (6).
These treatments are given to relieve itching and prevent bacterial infection of damaged skin. You may have to take measures to prevent bed bugs at home to avoid future bites.
Symptoms of bed bug bites on kids may vary from no symptoms to severe allergic reactions leading to breathing troubles. Cluster bite marks in a zig-zag pattern are often seen on the skin. Bed bugs are common in crowded living areas, and they may often reach home through travel luggage. They can infest clean-looking areas or furniture and can survive long periods without food. Vacuuming, steam cleaning washable items, and sealing bags, or cloth in plastic covers may help prevent the bug infestation and spreading at home. Professionals such as exterminators can help you remove bed bug infestation from your home.
Infographic: Tips To Prevent Bed Bugs At Home
Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on the humans’ and animals’ blood. They can often be found in beds, household furniture, and clothing. While it can be challenging to control bed bugs, there are several steps you can take to prevent them from infesting your home. The following infographic provides suggestions, so take a moment to review it. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do bed bugs stay on my kids’ body?
No. Bed bugs do not stay on human bodies. They stay in dark, hidden spots.
2. Can I feel bed bugs crawling?
You may feel them crawling if you are awake and alert. The sensation is similar to any other insect crawling on you. But you may not realize it when asleep.
3. Will a shower get rid of bed bugs?
Yes, you can eliminate any bed bugs from your body if you shower. Unlike some other insects, bed bugs do not cling to human bodies. They are primarily dormant and emerge from their hidden spots only when you are asleep.
4. Are bed bug bites contagious in children?
No, bedbug bites are not contagious.
5. What could be mistaken for bed bug bites?
Flea, spider, and mosquito bites in children may be mistaken for bed bugs as they are not common. Additionally, people may mistake bed bug bites for skin conditions such as an itchy rash, hives, or chickenpox (5).
Key Pointers
- Bedbugs are small reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood, and while they don’t pose a serious threat to children, they can be irritating.
- Signs and symptoms of bedbug infestation include zig-zag rashes/bites, redness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing.
- Human travel is a significant cause of bedbug infestations, and second-hand mattresses and furniture could also be a cause.
- To control bedbug infestations, get professional help, vacuum and clean all surfaces, and seal and discard heavily infested items.
- Bedbugs cause sleep disturbance and itching, which may lead to skin damage or infection. Seek medical help if severe reaction occurs.
- To soothe the affected area, wash it with soap and water and use an anti-itch cream.
Illustration: Bed Bug Bites On Kids Picture Causes Treatment & Remedies
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Bed bugs and their bites can pose quite a challenge. Explore this video to recognize signs of bed bug bites and perform effective checks. Gain insights into identifying and addressing these bites.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Attack of the imaginary chewdaddies;https://domaphile.wordpress.com/tag/bedbugs/
References
1. Adrien C. Ennis and Anthony L. Pearson-Shaver; Bedbug Bites; StatPearls Publishing (2020).
2. Bed bugs: Diagnosis And Treatment; The American Academy Of Dermatology
3. About Bed Bugs; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
4. Bed Bugs; Cimex lectularius; National Pest Management Association
5. Bed Bugs – What They Are and How to Control Them; Department of Health; The New York State
6. Caring for Patients with Bed Bug Bites; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
7. Bed Bug Bite; Seattle Children’s
8. Bedbugs; The Victorian Government
9. Bedbugs; NHS
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