Bed Bug Bites.. or not?

[OrbitStorm]

Hey there! I was hoping to toss this issue into a post, and see if possibly, someone else may have a solution to my problem, or at the least.. a recommendation.

Roughly 3-4 days ago, I woke to find (extremely itchy) small red bumps along my skin, at various places; such as my shoulders, upper back, and arms. After talking to my wife, it became apparent I was the only one with the "rash". Since we're staying at her father's house on vacation, we brought it to his attention and he claimed it was probably a result of
"bed bug bites", since he had had an issue with them earlier in the year. We sprayed the room, and the next night we "insect bombed" the room as well. As of today, the bites are still there, and more than before.

I'm assuming this isn't bed bug bites, and that it could possibly be a result of an allergic reaction to something else in the room.

As for the bumps.. some are identical to a bed bug bite.. red, raised lumps in the skin. There are a few others that resemble mosquito bites.. where they're less red, and more of a large welt. As I mentioned above.. I'm thinking this may not be a result of bed bugs.. since we sprayed and bombed the room, and I'm still getting bit. However, I'm not sure.

Has anyone had anything of the sort? I'd appreciate any and all input.. thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be contact dermatitis, insect bites, allergy, sweat dermatitis, heat rash or viral rash. You can take over the counter antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin for itching. Application of calamine lotion is also soothing. If symptoms persist then please consult your doctor.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[kjhgfd]

Hello OrbitStorm,
I too have a bed bug problem. Durring my internet research on them I found that bombing is the worst thing you can do

Here is a good web site I found that might be of some  help

Stay Healthy

[cc3363]

I to am suffering from bites, primarily around my upper arms, but sometimes my lower arms as well.  Lately I have started getting the bites around my ankles.  It gets a scab on it that never seems to go away.  I have seen my doctor and a dermatolgist and both said that the it appears to be bug bites but they were not sure if they were flea bites or bed bug bites.  

I have had three different companies come to the house and look around and they all say that I would know if it is bed bugs because by now (over a year suffering) they would be everywhere and we have seen nothing.  I even had a friend stay here who knows what bed bugs look like and she saw no indication that we have them.I have two dogs, one is a fuzzy chow chow so I'm thinking fleas, but we only see a flea once in a blue moon.  So I have no idea why I am getting these bites.  Even what the doctors have given me still they take forever to heal..  

My husband has bombed, sprayed and we even bought a steamer and steamed everywhere.  Still I get these bites so I truly feel your painl.

[n8454]

your post on getting bites.  Did you figure out what it was.  I am suffering from the same problem and can't figure it out.

[tiny677]

My name is tiny677: I posted a question yesterday...In wrong forum now I see...My problem started back in April, with just itching on my left arm..I'm thinking dry skin , but not for sure..I need relief bad!!!!!I scratch so much and its a stinging, burning sensation now in both arms. After scratching so much I break the skin and they turn into blisters in some areas, and I keep scratching causing more bumps to appear..After so long they leave my skin dark when healing.I also notice like "chill looking bumps" left on my skin as well. Its just a continuous itch. I have taken oral benadryl, no relief. Anti-itch lotions do not help and greasy based creams seem to help. the anti itch lotion makes it worse and so does bathing!!! Someone suggested coconut oil...will try that today...Embarrasing to be scratching all the time too!

[bugedout]

I started having this problem back in spring of 2009. There are more and more of us out there getting infested with this unknown parasite. Do you see black specks all over the place? If you do.  That's your culprit. Nobody really knows what they are, but it seems to be an epidemic that most doctors are not aware of and do not want to believe exists. This is what I did. This is not a total cure but I hardly feel the crawling or biting anymore except on my feet occasionally. I bought a bunch of cheap plastic from the dollar store to wrap my mattress in every week. I also bought a bunch of ammonia from the dollar store. I began boiling or steam ironing my clothes, sheets and towels. I began taking baths in a combo of ammonia, borax and Dr. Bronners peppermint soap. Don't waste too much money on stuff. Just buy one of each thing and buy a plastic or rubber container (that I also got from the dollar store) big enough to soak one foot with the mixture. Try it on your feet first. If you feel relief then you could start using in your tub. Everybody seems to have different things that work for them so it's best to just try on feet and see if they help before you go spending thousands of dollars on stuff that doesn't help, like I did. No matter what you do, be patient cuz these things are difficult to erradicate and they take time to get rid of. Oh and for me, chocolate makes it worse and a glass of red wine before bed helps. Don't overdo the wine. You don't want to become an alcoholic. You can friend request me at bugedout thugbugs on facebook. Just open a new email address and facebook page with the name you use on this site so we can share our crazy days for support on real time basis. Hope to hear from you there.

[2itchier]

You mentioned black specks.. like dirt right? That's what I'm finding in my blankets.. My friend had bed bugs.. she was at my Mom's with her son taking a nap in her bed.. I was in her car.. and she was here.. not for very long though. I had someone that had been in the bug inspection business for 17 years come and check out both apartments.. and they said it was nothing.. not a sign of bed bugs anywhere.. I had put these little specks of dirt on a kleenex, put them in a little baggie for them to look at.. by the time he had come.. these specks had gone in between the two ply tissue.. how does dirt do that?? Still.. he said it was nothing.. I'm the same way.. I can take a shower.. wash my clothes.. feel great for a couple of hours.. and the same thing happens.. little specks.. and itchy everywhere.. what the ---- is happening? Should I get a second opinion?
2itchier

[IamSkyee]

the black specks are actually red. they are bed bug poop. this means that you indeed have bed bugs

[STV123]

      If you do have bedbugs, a possible inexpensive solution is to apply diamataceous earth. They are fossilized remains of one celled plants millions of years old. When the bugs come in contact with it, it pierces their skin and brings death by dehydration over days or weeks. It can purchased from Home Depot at a reasonable price.    
      You may need to temporarily sleep elsewhere until it takes effect. It's a lot cheaper than have professionals spray dry ice behind the walls or heat up your home to 130 degrees fahrenheit to kill them.  

[Kathrelea]

Well, I think I'm suffering from bed bug bites because when I woke up the last early morning.. I just some red spots that are very reddish and itchy.. Well as of now, it became very tiny and as of distributed to my forehead, side face, and the neck.. Please help me!!