Dealing with Bed Bug Bites: A Reader's Experience and Key Insights

Reader Submission: A Personal Battle with Bed Bug Bites

I am also a victim of Bed bug bites. I visited my doctor, showed her the worst three on my right breast. I was told not to scratch. However, After dabbing the areas with alcohol, I lifted the initial scabs to find the critter embedded just underneath. One had at least two larva eggs attached.

The sores were deep with red ring surrounding the scab. My doctor wrote me an antibiotic, oral prescription and ointment. It may or not be helping. I am due to return tomorrow for a check up. The bites seem to be healing slowly,, but there is evidence of deep scars.
My husband and I moved into the guest room to sleep, until we can successfully treat our own infested bedroom. We just received delivery of a product sold by Walmart which had five star reviews for treating bed bugs.
Even during the day, I constantly feel like bugs are biting me. I get very little sleep, from waking up throughout the night, checking the sheets for signs of more bugs (so far none in 2nd bed.) We take off our shoes before entering the bedroom for sleep. I never dreamed of such misery from such tiny creatures.
Note* I know these are definitely bed bugs, as I have caught a few and viewed them under a magnifying glass.

Our Response

Thank you for sharing your story—it captures the frustration, exhaustion, and physical toll that bed bug infestations can take. Let’s address some of the key points in your experience and provide further guidance to help you through this challenging time.

Understanding Your Bites and Treatment

• Embedded Bugs and Larvae: Bed bugs do not burrow under the skin or lay eggs in the human body. The critter and eggs you
  found were likely stuck to the scab or wound rather than embedded underneath. This misconception is common and understandable during such a stressful situation.
• Medical Treatment: Your doctor’s prescription of antibiotics and ointments is an essential step in preventing infection and promoting healing. Keep up with your follow-up visits to ensure proper recovery.
• Scarring: It’s not uncommon for severe bites to leave scars, especially if the wounds were deep or scratched excessively. Over time, using scar-reducing treatments such as silicone gels or sheets may help minimize their appearance.

Addressing the Infestation

• Product Selection: While the product you purchased has five-star reviews, effectiveness varies. Ensure it’s an EPA-approved pesticide specifically labeled for bed bugs, and follow the instructions closely.
• Inspect and Clean Thoroughly: In addition to treating your infested room, inspect and clean all surrounding areas, furniture, and belongings to ensure no bed bugs are hiding elsewhere.
• Professional Assistance: If the problem persists despite your efforts, hiring a pest control professional may be necessary. They can apply heat or chemical treatments to eliminate the infestation more thoroughly.

Dealing with the Emotional Impact

• Constant Itching and Anxiety: Feeling like bugs are biting you throughout the day is a common psychological response to an infestation. Regular cleaning, decluttering, and visible progress in treatment can help ease this sensation over time.
• Sleep Deprivation: Sleep loss is a significant challenge during an infestation. Consider using bed bug-proof mattress encasements and traps to give yourself some peace of mind.

Your story highlights the importance of persistence and proper treatment when dealing with bed bugs. While this experience is undoubtedly stressful, the steps you’re taking—consulting a doctor, cleaning thoroughly, and using bed bug treatments—are all essential in resolving the issue. If the infestation proves too overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Let us know how things progress, and we’re here to support you through this!
Best regards,
Jeff,
Editor and Publisher,
Bed Bugs Handbook