Bed bug
Bites

The most common skin findings associated with bed bug bites are itching, flat and bumpy, reddish lesions. Each lesion is about 2–5 mm (0.08–0.2 in) but may be as large as 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter and there may or may not be a central spot (punctum). Bites are usually present on areas of exposed skin, especially exposed areas not covered by sheets or blankets, such as arms, legs, feet, face or neck. Individual responses to bites vary, ranging from no visible effect (in about 20–70%), to small flat (macular) spots, to the formation of prominent blisters (wheals and bullae) along with intense itching that may last several days. Vesicles and nodules may also form. The lesions due to bites may become secondarily infected due to scratching but systemic effects from bed bug bites are very rare. A central spot of bleeding may also occur due to the release of blood thinning substances in the bug's saliva.

Symptoms may not appear until some days after the bites have occurred. Reactions often become brisker after multiple bites due to possible sensitization to the salivary proteins of the bed bug. Numerous bites may lead to a red rash or hives.

Bedbug bites may cause other symptoms and health issues. Serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis from the injection of serum and other non-specific proteins have been documented, though rarely. As each bite takes a tiny amount of blood, chronic or severe infestation may lead to anemia. Scratching bites may lead to bacterial skin infection. Systemic poisoning may occur if the bites are numerous. The bite itself may be painful thus resulting in poor sleep and worse work performance.

Bed bugs can feed on warm-blooded animals other than humans, such as pets. The signs left by the bites are the same as in the case of people and cause identical symptoms (skin irritation, scratching etc.). Bed bugs can infest poultry sheds and cause anemia and a decrease in egg production in hens.
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