Bed Bugs

Bed bug infestations are rapidly spreading throughout the world and have become a major public health concern. They are a nuisance causing intense pruritus, loss of sleep, and substantial psychological distress. Bed bugs attack the exposed areas of the human skin, during the night, attracted by the host’s high body temperature and carbon dioxide production. Cutaneous symptoms are characterized by erythematous and/or urticarial papules with a central hemorrhagic punctum. The diagnosis is confirmed by the identification of the bed bug, which, between blood meals, resides in the cracks and crevices of furniture, floors, and/or walls to hide from daylight. Symptoms are often self-limiting and may resolve within 1 or 2 weeks or more rapidly with the use of topical steroids. The role of bed bugs as potential vectors of infectious diseases remains unclear.