IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a medical site. You should always discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Bed Bug Bites
Why can't bed bugs just co-exist peacefully with us? Why do they bite? Because they're blood sucking parasites. In order to grow they need to to shed and replace their skins - and a blood meal is required between each shedding.During the night bed bugs become active. They are attracted by carbon dioxide - which we breath out, hence signalling ourselves as the source of a potential meal and a tasty treat. They prefer to feed near to their hiding place but if necessary will travel a considerable distance.
Hence the bed bug bite. The bug pierces its host's skin and extracts the blood. The feeding process can last up to five minutes but the host is usually unaware of it.
Symptoms
Reaction to and signs of the bites varies and it can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have a bedbug problem. Some people have no little or reaction to the bites, others can develop itching and swelling, a rash, nasty red welt or more severe symptoms. Diagnosis is, of course, a matter for a professional to check and you should first discuss any concerns with your doctor.