Bed bug bites usually occur on exposed skin when people sleep. It is common to see these types of bites on the neck, arms, back, and shoulders. However, one of the favorite areas for bed bugs to bite and feed is the legs. For this reason, today we will show you some images of bed bug bites on legs that will help you identify if the bites on your legs have been caused by these insects.
Bed Bug Bites on Legs Images
In the first cases on our list, we will see images of people with few bites on their legs. The first image shows the leg of an adult person with a few bites. Most bites have a typical red bump, with a dark center and a lighter, inflamed surrounding area.
If you wake up in the morning and see that you have small red bumps that are quite itchy and have a zigzag or line pattern, you are probably facing a bed bug problem. These bites typically look like small, flat, or raised areas that can become inflamed, itchy, red, or blister.
The second image shows a person’s left leg with a few stings. Notice the linear pattern. The bites even reach the foot.
Bed bugs bite when we are sound asleep. When these insects bite, they pierce the human skin with a beak called “proboscis” with which they extract the blood of their host. In doing so, they inoculate an anesthetic substance so that people don’t feel anything. In this way, the bites can go unnoticed for several hours. This allows bed bugs to draw human blood for up to 10 minutes with each feeding.
Bed bugs prefer to bite the exposed areas of the body that are closest to their nest. In this way, if the nest is located towards the base of the bed, the legs will be the most affected. Sometimes the bumps can be surrounded by blisters and lead to hives.
The third image includes the right leg of a woman that has been stung. The bites are also present on her ankle. The pattern is that of a semi-circular line.
The size of bed bug bites varies based on several factors. These factors include the size of the biting bed bug, the size of the skin lesion, the amount of anesthetic inoculated, the sensitivity to the bite, and the length of time the person has been scratching.
Another factor that influences the size of the bed bug reaction is the number of times a person is bitten. Reactions to the bites of people bitten are also often variable, and their response can be more or less intense as the number of bites increases. Only in some cases, the bites do not leave marks and go completely unnoticed.
In the fourth image, we can see the lower part of a man’s leg. It’s possible to see areas of skin with raised or flat inflamed patches.
On the other hand, bed bugs are very sensitive to the movement of the host on which they feed. So if a sleeper moves, the bed bugs are likely to start looking for blood in another part of the body.
Where Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed bugs are very common in hotels and motels. Other common places are on airplanes and at neighbors’ houses when you go for coffee. If your neighbor has bed bugs and you sit on his furniture, you can bring bed bugs into your home.
The presence of these insects has also been reported in hospitals in less developed countries. This happens because in these places they do not take enough time to do a good inspection to find a possible nest. People who travel to other countries can bring bed bugs on their clothes or in their luggage.
The next picture shows a person with bites on the front of his leg. In one area the bites are zigzagged, and in the other area, the bites have a linear pattern.
Some people tend to associate bed bugs with poor cleanliness. However, this is a misconception. Since they can also be presented in clean environments. What happens is that bed bugs are very intelligent insects, and they know how to hide very well. That is why a thorough inspection, almost with a magnifying glass, of all areas and different corners is necessary.
Pics of Bed Bug Bites on Legs
In the following images, we will see people who have received a good dose of bites on their legs. However, It’s important to remember that the number of bites a person receives is not indicative of the number of bed bugs that feed on that person. The bites can be caused by a few bed bugs. Although it can also be an indication of a larger infestation.
Sometimes the bites can bleed a little, causing small spots of blood on the sheets or bedding. Another indicator of the presence of bed bugs is the skin shells or exoskeletons. You can find them by doing a good inspection.
The next photo shows the back of a man’s leg with quite a few bites. It can be seen that some bites are recent and others are older. This indicates that this gentleman has a major bed bug problem in his home.
Other Symptoms
- For anyone, having bed bugs in their home can lead to other psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Sometimes the problem can cause people to avoid sleep or to have intermittent sleep. Thus affecting the performance of work during the day. All of this can lead to sleep disorders or even insomnia problems.
- If there are many bites, this can cause a lot of itching and itching. In this way, there is a greater probability of infection because the surface of the skin is injured.
In the following image, we can see the two legs of a person that are full of bed bug bites. This person is also suffering from a big problem. In this case, the pattern is diffuse due to the number of bites.
Also, remember that scratching the hives too much can cause blemishes on the skin. In other words, the bumps darken and the permanent dark spots remain on the skin.
People with weak immune systems, such as those who are bedridden, can develop secondary infections that result from bed bug bites.
In the following image, we can see the ankle of a man with many bites.
Bed Bug Bites on Children’s Legs
Bed bugs not only affect adults, but they also tend to affect children. In this case, serious situations can also arise that must be handled with care.
In the following image, we see the front of both legs of a child that has been bitten by bed bugs. Due to the color of the bites, it is also possible to recognize recent and old bites.
The last image shows the back of the legs of a child who has been bitten by bed bugs.
How to control bed bugs?
There are many techniques and home remedies used to eliminate bed bugs. Here are some of them:
- Inspect the mattress, headboard, and under-bed seams for a possible nest.
- Fill cracks, crevices, and joints with products, such as glue, cement, or plaster.
- Clean clothes and pajamas regularly. If you wash your clothes at home, use hot water from time to time to wash.
- If you have a tumble dryer, use it at its highest temperature.
- Use a handheld steamer for insects and especially eggs, on luggage, clothing, upholstered items, or wherever they are.
- Be careful when traveling or staying in hotels.
- Cover your skin well while you sleep.
- If the problem persists, it may be necessary to destroy infected furniture or items, ideally by burning them.
Lastly remember, if you develop a rash after being bitten by a bed bug, avoid scratching the affected area. If the rash persists or becomes infected, contact a medical professional immediately. See you soon!
