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Highlights & Basics
- Bed bugs are nocturnal, obligate, blood-feeding parasites that take refuge in furniture and bedding.
- Bites are painless, but cause discomfort owing to the associated reactions.
- Characteristic lesions are pruritic papules in an irregular linear pattern, typically found on body surfaces exposed during sleeping such as face, neck, arms, legs, and shoulders.
- Treatment is symptomatic and includes antihistamines, topical antipruritics, and topical corticosteroids. In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be necessary.
- Elimination from the home is essential and may require professional extermination.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
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Definition
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Citations
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McNeill C, Jarrett A, Shreve DM, et al. Bed bugs: current treatment guidelines. J Nurse Pract. 2017 Jun;13(6): P381-8.[Full Text]
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15. Anses. Bed bugs are a financial burden and reduce quality of life for many people in France. Jul 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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20. Aoki V, Millikan RC, Diaz LA, et al. Environmental risk factors in pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem). J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2004 Jan;9(1):34-40.[Abstract][Full Text]
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22. Krause-Parello CA, Sciscione P. Bedbugs: an equal opportunist and cosmopolitan creature. J Sch Nurs. 2009 Apr;25(2):126-32.[Abstract]
23. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Bed bugs: get them out and keep them out. Jul 2024 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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25. British Pest Control Association. Pest advice for controlling bed bugs [internet publication].[Full Text]
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34. Moore DJ, Miller DM. Laboratory evaluations of insecticide product efficacy for control of Cimex lentularius. J Econ Entomol. 2006 Dec;99(6):2080-6.[Abstract]
35. Myamba J, Maxwell CA, Asidi A, et al. Pyrethroid resistance in tropical bedbugs, Cimex hemipterus, associated with use of treated bednets. Med Vet Entomol. 2002 Dec;16(4):448-51.[Abstract]
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38. Fletcher CL, Ardern-Jones MR, Hay RJ. Widespread bullous eruption due to multiple bed bug bites. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jan;27(1):74-5.[Abstract]
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43. Herrera AL, Chaussee MS, Pietri JE. Experimental acquisition, maintenance, and transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. J Infect Dis. 2024 Jan 12;229(1):245-51.[Abstract]
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