bed bug bites or something else? « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Bed bug bites, skin, etc.

bed bug bites or something else?

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jjnj

newbite
Joined: Feb '11
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Feb 5 2011 17:44:13
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Sometime in mid-december i began getting some insect like bites on my arms and sides. I ignored it for a few weeks and finally had a k9 come in. He detected bugs in my couch. The living room was stripped and treated twice. I continued getting bites under my arms. The dog came bag and detected bugs in my bedroom though he seemed a bit confused and not convinced. The guy said sometimes they can't pick it up well if it's not somewhere in near proximity.

My bed is covered in double sided tape and my bedframe was covered in pesticide twice. Everything in the bedroom was obviously stripped and cleaned too. I should note i've inspected the bed a thousand times and everything around it. All my linen is pure white and i've never seen so much as a speck let alone a bug, a blood stain, fecal matter, etc.

My bites are pretty rare...a couple every 5-7 days. When it happens its only 1 or 2. They only happen in the same area...under each arm, near my arm pits., sometimes a little lower down my side but it's rare. My cat and partner have shown no sign of any bites or itching of any sort.

I'm getting a lot of anxiety wondering what if this never stops. And now i can't stop thnking...what if i never had bugs at all? Maybe its scabies? mites? fleas?

For those who had bed bug bites...did your bugs only bite the same areas and not stray to others? Getting to my armpits seems difficult. I sleep in shorts and a tshirt and i wonder why my arms, feet, legs, neck, etc wouldn't be easier targets. I can only think maybe my armpits are hotter at night than the rest of my body and more attractive?

Anyway...i ordered some diatomaceous earth and plan to put it in and around the bedframe as an extra protectant but...should i see a doctor? I've been living out of plastic bags and living like i'm surrounded by toxic waste, afraid to touch anything or contaminate anything. Any input???
bedbut

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Joined: Dec '10
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Feb 5 2011 19:33:05
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Did the dog alert come with a positive indication of bugs? Did the dog handler inspect for bugs? Bites are not an indicator. Maybe get a passive monitor?

I hope this bumps it up so an expert answers.
jjnj

newbite
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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Feb 5 2011 19:39:33
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not sure what you mean by positive indication. Neither I nor the dog handler nor the exterminator were able to find any positive signs of bugs :-/
cilecto

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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Feb 5 2011 20:12:17
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Even doctors have difficulty positively identifying skin reactions as bed bug bites. If you are experiencing skin irritation, you can take steps to try and mitigate the discomfort, from home or over the counter remedies, to professional care. Meanwhile, check out the FAQ and Resources page and especially the State of Michigan Guide. These will help you understand what to look for, ie: bugs, eggs, skins and poop marks.
NeedAValidUserName

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Posted 2 years ago
Sat Feb 5 2011 20:53:18
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armpits....could be inflamed hair follicles? Not to deflect from your issue, but maybe try switching deoderants and see if that helps? My PCO was skeptical of dog results.

so frustrating, good luck.
Denise

newbite
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Posted 2 years ago
Fri Feb 25 2011 11:53:04
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I'm working through this also with my son.

Short story.....took him to a dermatologist who recommended benadryl nightly for 2 weeks and prescribed Cutivate cream to put on bumps.

We never found any evidence of bed bugs, had 2 dogs in here at the same time that "supposedly" alerted to the same areas. We tore those areas apart, found nothing. Bumps showed up daily, usually 2-4 on his torso. Well since using the medicine, his skin is completely clear. No one else in the house had had any bites or evidence.

Personally, I'm thinking he has an allergy, possibly cocoa. We will find out in a couple of weeks. If his skin stays clear then I'm going to reintroduce cocoa in 2 weeks to see if they reappear. And yes they look just like bug bites.

Good luck,
Denise