About a week ago, I temporarily moved into a friend’s old apartment while mine was being renovated. He kindly agreed to let me stay there, and at first, everything seemed perfectly fine. However, after just a couple of days, I began noticing strange, itchy bumps appearing on my skin—especially on my legs and back.

Since I hadn’t changed my hygiene routine, soaps, shampoo, or laundry detergent, I started to suspect that something in the apartment environment might be responsible. Before scheduling a doctor’s appointment, I decided to research possible causes online. Many sources pointed toward one likely culprit: bed bugs.

The apartment was relatively old, and the mattress had clearly been there for years. When I inspected it closely, however, I couldn’t see any visible signs of infestation—no live insects, no dark spotting, and no obvious stains. Still, I took precautions. I placed the mattress outside on the balcony in direct sunlight for a full day and layered it with multiple clean covers before sleeping on it again.

Unfortunately, the itchy bumps continued appearing throughout the week, and I had little choice but to remain there until my renovations were complete.

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What Are Bed Bugs?

According to the NHS, bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that typically hide in bedding, mattresses, furniture, and cracks in walls or floors. They feed on human blood, usually at night while people are asleep.

Although bed bug bites are not known to transmit diseases, they can cause significant discomfort, itching, and sleep disruption. In some cases, repeated bites may also lead to skin infections due to scratching.

One of the challenges with bed bugs is that their bites can resemble those of other insects, such as mosquitoes or fleas, making identification difficult without physical evidence.

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Common Signs of Bed Bug Bites

Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way. Some people may show no visible reaction at all, while others develop noticeable symptoms.

1. Red, Itchy Bumps

Bed bug bites typically appear as small, red, raised bumps. They are often intensely itchy. While they do not usually cause a widespread rash, excessive scratching can break the skin and increase the risk of secondary infection.

2. Bites on Exposed Skin

Bed bugs usually feed on skin that is uncovered during sleep. Common areas include:

• Arms

• Legs

• Neck

• Face

• Back

Bites often appear in clusters or lines, sometimes referred to as a “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern.

3. Delayed Reaction

Unlike mosquito bites, bed bug bites may not be immediately noticeable. Symptoms can develop hours, days, or even weeks after exposure. The duration of visible marks varies depending on individual sensitivity and immune response.

4. Allergic Reactions

Some individuals are more sensitive than others. In rare cases, bites may cause:

• Large, swollen welts

• Painful inflammation

• Blister-like lesions

• Extremely rare but serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency care.

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Why Bed Bugs Can Be Hard to Detect

Bed bugs are nocturnal and skilled at hiding. They often conceal themselves in:

• Mattress seams

• Bed frames

• Headboards

• Behind baseboards

• Electrical outlets

• Upholstered furniture

Even a careful visual inspection may not reveal them, especially in early infestations. Signs such as small dark spots (droppings), shed skins, or tiny blood stains on sheets may provide clues.

Sun exposure alone may not eliminate bed bugs, as they can survive in crevices not directly exposed to heat.

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When to Seek Medical Advice

If you notice unexplained red bumps that persist, worsen, or become infected, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Severe swelling

• Signs of infection (warmth, pus, spreading redness)

• Fever

• Difficulty breathing

A doctor can confirm whether the lesions are insect bites or related to another condition such as allergic dermatitis, scabies, or folliculitis.

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Final Thoughts

Unexplained skin reactions after staying in an unfamiliar environment can be stressful. While bed bugs are a common cause of nighttime bites, proper inspection and, if necessary, professional pest control may be required to resolve the issue completely.

If red, itchy bumps appear suddenly and especially if they occur after sleeping in a new location, contacting a medical professional is the safest course of action. Early identification helps prevent complications and ensures appropriate treatment.

If you’d like, I can also provide a practical checklist on how to inspect a room properly for bed bugs or steps to reduce exposure while temporarily staying in a suspected space.