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Symptom Checker

Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites are itchy skin bumps that can appear after bed bugs feed on exposed skin during sleep. Bites may occur alone, in clusters or in lines.

Bed bugs cause the bites by piercing the skin and feeding on blood. The skin reaction comes from substances in the insect’s saliva. Other insect bites and skin conditions can look similar.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Bed Bug Bites

The AAP guide below explains how bed bug bites usually look, how to care for the skin and what to do about the source.

AAP Symptom CheckerBed bug bites

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Symptom CheckerBed bug bites New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • The bites become increasingly red, painful or infected-looking.
  • Swelling is severe or the itching is difficult to control.
  • The rash persists even after the environment has been treated.
  • You are not sure whether bed bugs are causing the skin changes.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has a severe allergic reaction or another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on bites and stings

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms