Bed bug bites: causes and which doctor to see
Bed bugs are apple-seed-sized insects that feed on blood at night and hide in mattress seams, bed bases, bed frames and wall cracks. Their bites are usually itchy red bumps in a line on the arms, legs and neck. They do not transmit disease but cause itching, poor sleep and anxiety; professional pest control is usually needed to get rid of them.
Which doctor should I see for bed bug bites?
For bed bug bites you can first see: Dermatology or Family Medicine. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of bed bug bites?
- Three or four itchy bumps in a row, noticed in the morning
- Bites on exposed skin (arms, legs, neck)
- Small blood spots and black dots (droppings) on the sheets
- A sweetish, musty smell in the bed
What causes bed bug bites?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Carried home in luggage and clothes from hotels, hostels, public transport and second-hand items
- 2Living in cracks in beds, bed bases and furniture
- 3Allergic skin reaction to the bites
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Is there rapidly spreading redness, fever or pus around the bites
- Is there widespread hives, lip swelling or breathlessness
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- Wash the bites with soap and water, do not scratch, and use cool compresses.
- Check mattress seams, bed base edges and frame joints with a torch.
- Wash sheets and clothes at 60 °C or above and tumble-dry on high heat.
- Vacuum often and throw the vacuum bag away sealed in a bag.
- Use a professional pest control service; in a hotel, ask to change rooms and inform the management.
What not to do
- Do not use agricultural pesticides in beds or rooms yourself; there is a risk of poisoning.
See a doctor if
- If the bites become infected
- If itching is severe enough to disturb sleep
- If there is a widespread allergic reaction
How long does it last and how is it treated?
Bites heal within 1–2 weeks; new ones keep appearing until the bed bugs are eliminated. Professional treatment is usually repeated a few weeks apart.
Who gets bed bug bites?
- Frequent travellers
- Hostel, guesthouse and hotel staff
- People living in crowded housing
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on the bite pattern and finding the insects or their traces.
Can it be prevented?
- After travelling, do not put your suitcase on the bed; check it and wash clothes in hot water.
- Inspect second-hand mattresses and furniture before bringing them home.
Find a dermatologist in your city
Dermatologists in Turkish cities who can help with bed bug bites.
People also describe it as
- “I woke up with itchy bites in a line”
- “I think my hotel bed has bed bugs”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for bed bug bites?
For bed bug bites you can first see: Dermatology or Family Medicine. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of bed bug bites?
Common symptoms: three or four itchy bumps in a row, noticed in the morning; bites on exposed skin (arms, legs, neck); small blood spots and black dots (droppings) on the sheets; a sweetish, musty smell in the bed. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What should you not do with bed bug bites?
Do not use agricultural pesticides in beds or rooms yourself; there is a risk of poisoning.
What causes bed bug bites?
The most common causes: carried home in luggage and clothes from hotels, hostels, public transport and second-hand items; living in cracks in beds, bed bases and furniture; allergic skin reaction to the bites. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does bed bug bites last and how is it treated?
Bites heal within 1–2 weeks; new ones keep appearing until the bed bugs are eliminated. Professional treatment is usually repeated a few weeks apart.
Who gets bed bug bites?
It is more common in: frequent travellers; hostel, guesthouse and hotel staff; people living in crowded housing.
How is bed bug bites diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on the bite pattern and finding the insects or their traces.
Can bed bug bites be prevented?
After travelling, do not put your suitcase on the bed; check it and wash clothes in hot water. Inspect second-hand mattresses and furniture before bringing them home.
What should I do if my hotel room has bed bugs?
Ask to change rooms (not next door or directly above or below), inform the management, and wash and heat-dry your clothes and check your luggage before going home.
When is bed bug bites an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there rapidly spreading redness, fever or pus around the bites?” “Is there widespread hives, lip swelling or breathlessness?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for bed bug bites?
See a doctor: if the bites become infected; if itching is severe enough to disturb sleep; if there is a widespread allergic reaction.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.