Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums » Bed bug bites, skin, etc.
Perhaps not bedbugs after all. Thoughts on scabies?
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CrazyMe
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Joined: May '09
Posts: 39
Posted 5 months ago
Mon Jun 8 2009 19:18:02
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Okay, so I'm one of those who never saw a live bug (or feces for that matter).
Did find some other bugs (like a possible carpet larva). I'm aware of potential skin allergies to those little bugs. But I'm curious to hear from some folks on here that may have had scabies. Here's what I'm putting together:
1) I have sort of dry, itchy skin to begin with. The things i think are "bites" tend to be little pimples and right next to each other... Clustered more like braille. The pictures of I've seen of breakfast, lunch and dinner which appear to be bit more spread out.
2) I recently got some sort of weird skin reaction on the skin on top of my foot under my sock. I noticed it at the end of day after wearing socks. Again, more like a rash of 4 or 5 little pimples within a cm. I thought it was allergic reaction to laundry detergent.
3) My boyfriend has a bumpy rash on his elbows that he refuses to get checked out. He claims it's eczema--but I'm beginning to wonder.
Anyone have beginning stages of scabies? I'm totally befuddled at this point. Who knows.
In any event---I haven't seen a bed bug--and I've been seriously searching my apt for a good month. If I haven't seen one in a month, chances are--don't have them?
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CrazyMe
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Joined: May '09
Posts: 39
Posted 5 months ago
Mon Jun 8 2009 19:19:52
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Also thanks guys. I seriously LOVE this forum. It has really helped--and if anything, educated me for the future.
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This may help you find out more about scabies.
As for bed bugs, it is fully possible to have them for a bit and not find signs. (Signs may be there but hard for you to find.) How long have you and your bf had these skin problems?
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CrazyMe
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Joined: May '09
Posts: 39
Posted 5 months ago
Tue Jun 9 2009 7:57:39
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I'd say I started noticing semi-itchy things about 6 weeks ago. My boyfriend has definitely had his itchy patches on his elbows for a month or 2 longer than that.
So I'd say it's been 6 weeks since I've been checking for bed bugs I think (haven't noticed anything) and bites have not gotten worse. I check sheets daily, boxspring...ceilings... corners of room, moldings...drawers... haven't noticed a bug/faeces, casting, blood spot, etc.
Just the weird tiny itchy bumps, and those, only occasionally.
Anyway, how long does it take for someone to find a sign? From everything I've read on this forum, generally eventually people find signs within a few weeks. I liked the entomologist survey--because it laid out conditions for treating investigated appts. And from what I read there, it's unlikely they'd treat my place (without evidence after a good searching).
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Hi,
Scabies patterns are very different, for a start they tend to be localised to hands, arm pits, groin and feet with a variety that occurs around the mouth and face. If your activity is localised to these areas seek medical assistance and scabies treatment.
If you have bites in other locations or spread out them its unlikely to be scabies.
I do have some images of the last time I had scabies (occupational hazard (we now do not shake hands with people until BB confirmation)). Its a lot more common than you might think. I will also stick my neck out and say I am no longer convinced they can only be spread by skin to skin contact although they can not survive off a host for too long.
David Cain
Bed Bugs Limited -
CrazyMe
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Joined: May '09
Posts: 39
Posted 5 months ago
Tue Jun 9 2009 13:10:14
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David,
The bites I have are pretty much by my hands, arm (nearish elbows) and my feet.... do you think that sounds suspicious? I went to dermatologist about 2 weeks ago, for routine mole-check ;-), and she didn't notice anything, but it's possible it's hard to diagnose early on.
It's not super-itchy, just kinda itchy---like having dry skin that you want to scratch all the time. And because I scratch, I sometimes break the skin. Does that sound like I'm on to something?
Again, I really appreciate your expert advice!
Most of the photographs I've seen of scabies seem to be extreme cases--or ones that are much more obvious.
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Hi,
On this occasion I am going to say that having a look at the bites may help us a lot.
It is true that you can tell little about the insect from the bite but in this case there are differences between skin reactions and scabies situations and insect bites. If you could take some pictures and post them at as high a resolution as you can I will at least have a look.
If I have anything to add from them I will post comments.
The other physical symptoms are just too variable and vague to diagnose based upon.
If you post a link it will be faster as I dont pick up work email when away from the office.
David
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CrazyMe
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Joined: May '09
Posts: 39
Posted 5 months ago
Tue Jun 9 2009 23:45:28
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Hi David and all.
I've got some photos uploaded (finally). They aren't -that- great, but it gets the idea across. You'll see it's not exactly a breakfast/lunch/dinner combo, more of a cluster of rashes, but it's hard to tell. The one's on my feet are pretty indicative of what I've been experiencing on my arms. None are "raised" or have wheals.
- Right foot (above arch-under sock): http://www.flickr.com/photos/39287491@N04/3613183690/
- Left foot (above arch, under sock too): http://www.flickr.com/photos/39287491@N04/3613190426/
- left foot http://www.flickr.com/photos/39287491@N04/3613228330/
- arm (the thing that looks like a mole on right is actually a tiny cluster of pimply things that have scabbed) http://www.flickr.com/photos/39287491@N04/3613203604/
- More left foot (healing?) http://www.flickr.com/photos/39287491@N04/3613206094
Next image is a web image that looks little like what my SO has (a little less pronounced) on his elbows: http://www.visualdxhealth.com/images/dx/webChild/scabiesPediatric_6312_lg.jpg
Thanks to everyone for your help. I hope you are all having a good night. It's late/early here, so I should be trying to sleep. Good night!
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