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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
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
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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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