Are there Documented Cases Where the Same Triangular Patch of Bedbug Bites Continued to Come and Go for a Year?

I have a triangular set of bumps on my left forearm at the crease of my elbow. They appear to be like the 1st photo labeled, mild case. What I don't understand is they first appeared last summer & itched like crazy for at least a month and then stopped for a few weeks then out of know where they would whelp up & begin to itch all over again! This has been going on a year & I have tried everything. But the itching and whelps reappear without warning making me think there is something alive under my skin & using me as it's host. I went to my family doctor in the beginning and just thought it was going to take a while for this to go away. Now I'm thinking they're not going away but instead have taken up residence! So now I'm really freaked out because I just developed the same triangular shaped bumps on my opposite arm in the same exact area!

I have an appointment to see a dermatologist this week but any info I can get would be greatly appreciated as I am Nervously waiting for my appointment! No bed bugs have been found after several thorough searches of my entire home. I still purchased bed bug killing supplies and put them throughout the house and I still periodically spray with bed bug killing spray. Still I haven't seen any bed bugs! I even purchased a large magnifying glass and painstakingly have gone through every inch of furniture and such trying to find anything! *** Could this be anything else???
If this will help, I live in South Texas out in the country. One side of our property backs up to a large bayou. Another side is full of saltgrass and marsh. Another side backs up to to farm land used for growing Corn & just down from there are large rice fields. I have plenty of pets and livestock. I also rehab raccoons, whitetail deer & axis. I am OCD about hygiene, clean house & clean barn including any animal living quarters! I'm basically a slave to the farm and my critters and thank God for what he has blessed me with!

So please start sending me in your thoughts as I await my appointment!
Much thanks from Texas

Response to Your Question

Hi, thank you for sharing your detailed situation. I can completely understand why this would be so stressful, especially given how long you’ve been dealing with this and the steps you’ve already taken. Let me provide some insights while you wait for your dermatologist appointment.

Could This Be Bed Bugs?

From your description, it’s unlikely that this is related to bed bugs. Here’s why:

• You’ve done a very thorough inspection of your home, furniture, and belongings, including using magnification, and have not found any evidence of bed bugs (no live bugs, fecal stains, or shed skins).


• Bed bug bites typically resolve within a few days to a week and do not reappear in the same spot months later. The reoccurrence you’re experiencing suggests a different cause.

What Else Could This Be?

Given the symptoms and your location in South Texas, here are some possibilities to consider:

1. Insect Bites or Stings: Living near farmland, marsh, and a bayou exposes you to various biting insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or chiggers. Chiggers, in particular, can leave intensely itchy, raised welts and may cause prolonged irritation if they burrowed into the skin before being removed.


2. Skin Parasites: While rare, certain parasites, such as scabies mites or other biting arthropods, could cause recurring symptoms in specific areas of the skin.


3. Contact Dermatitis: With your close proximity to pets, livestock, and natural vegetation, you may be coming into contact with an irritant or allergen that causes recurring skin reactions.


4. Autoimmune or Dermatological Conditions: Conditions like eczema, hives, or an autoimmune skin disorder could cause recurring welts and itching, particularly in areas where the skin bends or creases.

Steps to Take Before Your Appointment

1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Track when the welts appear, how long they last, and if anything specific seems to trigger them (e.g., exposure to certain animals, outdoor activities, or cleaning products).


2. Avoid Excess Scratching: Scratching can worsen irritation and lead to infections. Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or an antihistamine like Benadryl to reduce itching temporarily.


3. Continue Using Precautions: Since you’ve already ruled out bed bugs, focus on minimizing exposure to biting insects by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents when outdoors.

Preparing for Your Dermatologist Visit

Share the following details with your dermatologist to help them with a diagnosis:

• The duration of your symptoms and how they have progressed over the year.


• The fact that the welts recur in a triangular shape and have spread to your opposite arm in the same area.


• Your proximity to farmland, marsh, and wildlife, as well as your exposure to various animals and plants on your property.

While it’s great that you’ve been so proactive, your upcoming dermatologist appointment will likely provide the answers you need. Based on your description, this does not sound like bed bugs but could be related to insect exposure, a skin condition, or a parasitic issue. Let us know how the appointment goes, and feel free to reach out with any updates or further questions. Wishing you the best as you wait for answers.

Take care,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook