The short answer
Bed bug bites are usually itchy, raised red bumps, often in a line or a group, on skin that is uncovered in bed. The NHS says they normally clear up on their own within a week. A cool, damp cloth helps, and a pharmacist can suggest a cream or antihistamine. See a GP if the bites stay painful or swollen, or if redness spreads.
Waking up with a row of itchy bumps is often the first sign that something is wrong. This guide explains what bed bug bites usually look like, what the NHS says to do about them, and how to tell whether bed bugs are really the cause.
It is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about a bite or a reaction, speak to a pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111.
What bed bug bites look like
According to the NHS, bed bug bites are usually:
- itchy, sometimes very itchy;
- raised and red, though on darker skin the redness can be harder to see;
- in a line or a group;
- on skin that is exposed in bed, most often the face, neck and arms.
Not everyone reacts the same way. Some people come up in large, sore welts. Others have no visible reaction at all, which is why one person in a bed can be badly bitten while the other has no marks.
How long do bed bug bites last?
The NHS says bites usually clear up by themselves within a week. A strong reaction can take longer to settle, and scratching can make them last longer still, or let them become infected.
How to treat bed bug bites
The NHS advice is simple:
- Clean and cool. Hold a cool, damp cloth on the bites to ease the itching and any swelling.
- Do not scratch. Keep nails short, and keep the area clean, because broken skin can become infected.
- Ask a pharmacist. They can suggest a mild steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone, or an antihistamine to help with itching and sleep.
The NHS adds a caution for some groups: check with a doctor before using these treatments on children under 10 or if you are pregnant.
When to see a GP
Contact a GP if:
- the bites are still painful, swollen or itchy after a few days;
- redness or swelling is spreading;
- the skin feels hot, looks infected, or you feel unwell.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
Are bed bug bites dangerous?
For most people, no. The BPCA notes that bed bugs have not been shown to pass diseases to people. The main harms are the itching, broken sleep, and the anxiety of knowing they are there, which can be real and wearing. If the problem is affecting your sleep or your mood, it is worth talking to your GP.
Bed bug bites or something else?
Many things cause itchy bumps: fleas, mosquitoes, mites and skin conditions among them. Bites alone are not proof of bed bugs. These differences can help:
| Clue | Bed bugs | Fleas |
|---|---|---|
| Where the bites are | Face, neck, arms and other skin exposed in bed | Often ankles and lower legs |
| Pattern | Lines or groups | Clusters, often many small bites |
| When they appear | After a night’s sleep | Any time, often after sitting where a pet rests |
| Other signs | Blood spots, dark droppings on mattress seams | Pets scratching, tiny jumping insects |
The surest way to know is to find the bugs or their traces. Our guide to bed bug signs shows where to look. If it turns out to be fleas, see heat treatment for fleas.
How to stop being bitten
Creams treat the bites, not the cause. While bed bugs are in the home, the bites will keep coming. The NHS suggests:
- washing bedding and clothes at 60°C and tumble drying on hot for at least 30 minutes;
- bagging items that cannot be washed and putting them in the freezer for two to three weeks;
- clearing clutter where bugs can hide;
- checking second-hand furniture and luggage before bringing them in.
Moving to sleep in another room can carry the bugs there too. The BPCA also warns against shop-bought sprays, which rarely work and can scatter the bugs.
The NHS says getting rid of bed bugs yourself is very hard and advises contacting your council or a pest control firm. Professional heat treatment kills the bugs and their eggs in one visit. Our cost calculator gives typical prices, and our guide to what kills bed bugs compares the methods.
Bites in a rented home or hotel
If you rent, tell your landlord in writing as soon as you find signs. Our page on commercial bed bug treatment explains who usually pays. If you were bitten in a hotel, report it to the hotel straight away and check your luggage carefully before unpacking at home.
If you need a specialist, the form below finds one who covers your area.