Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood and cause skin irritation. They hide in walls, furniture or floors and are most active at night. Bed-bug infections are usually more annoying than dangerous, but severe cases may require treatment by a doctor.
Causes
Bed bugs can crawl into clothes and luggage, and travelers may bring bed bugs home with them from other countries. Another cause of bed bug infections is the decreased use of the pesticide DDT, a pesticide toxic to bugs and also to humans.
Symptoms
Bed bugs affect the surface of the skin and cause itchy red welts. Some people may experience further skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Disease
Bed Bugs aren't known to transmit disease, but they may carry organisms that can cause hepatitis B and a parasitic infection called Chagas disease.
Treating Bites
Bed-bug treatment consists of using topical creams to relieve itching. Antihistamines may be necessary if there is an allergic reaction.
Treating Infestations
The site of the bed bug infestation needs to be cleaned, disinfected and treated with pesticides to remove the bugs.
Tags: skin irritation