“I Thought It Was an Allergy”: Woman Thinks She Has Skin Reaction, Turns Out To Be Bed Bug Bites

• One woman shared a video of her legs covered in bites that she initially mistook for an allergic reaction before discovering the real culprits were bed bugs in her home
• Bed bugs are small, apple seed-sized insects that feed on human blood, leaving itchy bumps that appear in lines or clusters on the skin
• Many South Africans commented on her post with similar experiences and advice, with some sharing horror stories of discovering bed bugs at friends' homes or in rented accommodation

Content creator @PertuniaIntombiYaseVenda, who posts personal stories and beauty product ads, shared a video showing her scratching her legs covered in small, red bites. She thought she was having an allergic reaction, but found out bed bugs were causing her problems.

Many followers commented with tips and shared their own stories about dealing with these pests.

Watch the Facebook reel below.

Spotting bed bugs and their bites

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Bed bugs are small insects about the size of an apple seed (5-7mm long) that feed only on blood. Adult bed bugs are brown with flat, oval-shaped bodies that become more rounded and reddish-brown after they've fed.

Briefly News spoke to medical expert Jayshri Ranagasamy regarding bed bugs. She stated that:

"Bed bug bites and allergic skin reactions can look similar, but there are key differences to help identify them. Bed bug bites often appear as small, red, swollen spots with a darker center, typically found on exposed skin areas like the face, neck, arms, and hands. They may be arranged in lines or clusters and can cause itchiness, a burning sensation, and sometimes fluid-filled blisters. Symptoms may take a few days to develop and usually occur at night. In contrast, allergic skin reactions can vary widely but often include red, bumpy, itchy skin, appearing as hives, eczema, or contact dermatitis. These reactions can occur anywhere on the body, depending on the allergen, and symptoms can appear quickly after exposure."

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"If you suspect bed bugs, it is advisable to look for reddish or rust-colored stains on sheets or mattresses from crushed bugs, shed skins, tiny eggs, and a musty odor. If there is any confusion and no signs of bed bugs are evident, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis."

Bed bugs are annoying because they're excellent hitchhikers, easily moving in luggage, clothing, and furniture. They're mainly active at night and hide in cracks during the day, making them hard to spot until there are lots of them.

Signs of a bed bug problem include:

• Small blood stains on sheets or pillowcases.
• Dark spots on bedding or walls.
• Egg shells or shed skins in areas where bed bugs hide.
• A musty, sweet smell made by the bugs' scent glands.

Getting rid of the unwanted guests

Getting rid of bed bugs takes patience and effort, as there's no quick way to completely remove them. Experts suggest using both chemical and non-chemical methods for the best results.

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Non-chemical methods include:

• Washing bedding, clothing, and fabrics in hot water (at least 60°C) and drying on high heat.
• Hoovering regularly, especially around the bed and furniture.
• Using mattress covers specially designed to trap bed bugs.
• Steam cleaning carpets and furniture.

Chemical treatments may include insecticides made specifically for bed bug control, but these should be used carefully and according to instructions. In bad cases, hiring a professional pest control service is often the most effective solution.

Social media users share their bed bug battles

@Judy Mabunda recalled:

"I once visited this other girl ebengifunda naye, those things did me dirty shame... I'm never sleeping over at anybody's house."

@Siphesihle Ndamane asked:

"How did you get rid of the bugs?"

@Yandiswa Gcasamba advised:

"Siphesihle Ndamane, sanitizer works faster if you spray your bed at least 3 times a week and wash your blankets with warm water."

@Mahlohonolo Tshabalala wondered:

"Do they leave you with black spots?"

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@Phemula Mukhethwa commiserated:

"I thought I was the only one 😢😢😢"

@Jabu Lwazie Mlawu recommended:

"Washing alone will not help. Mina, I used iBluedeath on my bed for 3 weeks straight. I would spray it on both sides of my mattress, under my bed and all the corners of my room. And I also used a spray for the whole room phindanga zabuya."

Other pest control nightmares

• Briefly News recently reported on a pest control expert who shared a shocking video showing cockroaches-infested lounge furniture, leaving many users astonished at how the insects make their homes in places we wouldn't think of in our homes.
• One woman had a scary encounter with a massive spider that landed on her, and the moment was captured in a TikTok video that quickly became a viral sensation.
• A man had the panic of his life when he tried to remove a carpet python from his home, causing chaos while he failed to do so in a clip that shows him losing his calmness and throwing the danger-noodle across the room, terrifying a woman in the background.

Source: Briefly News