Bed bug bites typically appear as small, red, raised bumps on the skin that are often itchy and sometimes swollen. They may look like mosquito or flea bites but have some distinguishing features:
- The bites often occur in clusters or lines, sometimes in a zigzag or random pattern, reflecting the bed bug's feeding behavior as it moves along exposed skin
- The bumps can have a dark red center or appear as pimple-like with a lighter skin tone around them
- Some bites may develop into fluid-filled blisters, and scratching can cause bleeding or infection
- The bites usually appear on areas of skin exposed during sleep, such as the face, neck, arms, hands, shoulders, and legs
- The reaction to bites varies widely among individuals; some people may not react at all, while others develop itchy, swollen welts that can last for weeks
- Bed bug bites may take a few days to become visible after the bite occurs
In summary, bed bug bites are red, itchy bumps often arranged in lines or clusters on exposed skin, sometimes with a dark center or blistering, and they can be confused with other insect bites but tend to persist longer and have a characteristic pattern