The signs of bed bugs are often mistaken for scabies infestation. This is primarily because they share the same symptoms. However, both rashes are caused by completely different organisms and require different treatments.
The Culprits Behind The Rashes
Bed bug rashes are caused by bedbugs. Also known as the Cimex lectularius, these parasitic insects dwell on your mattress and other places near it. One of the most common signs of bed bugs is to look at its dwelling-places such as the headboard, bed slats and nooks and crevices close to the bed. These bugs can grow up to 4 to 5 mm long, making them easy to spot even with the naked eye. They are generally brown in color, but can turn to red after a feeding.
Scabies, on the other hand, are small eight legged mites. The Sarcoptes scabiei are very tiny, often not seen by the naked eye. They burrow underneath their host’s skin, and deposit eggs there. The mites have a lifespan of 24 to 36 hours.
Are They Contagious?
You cannot catch bed bug rash from other people – they are insects, not an illness. These insects do not live on their host’s body, but live where they feed – which is near or on your bed. Still, these bugs can transfer from the bed to your clothes, luggage and other upholstered items, which can spread to your home if you bring infested items there.
Scabies, on the other hand spread differently. Since they burrow and live on their host’s skin, they can easily spread through close personal contact. Cases of scabies are often common in toddlers and kindergarten students, but can also be found in adults. Many healthy adults can host some of these mites – without experiencing any symptoms at all – and unknowingly spread them through other people. Scabies can also be spread by sharing towels, bed sheets and clothes.
What Are The Signs Of Bed Bugs and Scabies?
When a bed bug bites you, it injects a numbing agent on the skin. Most people respond to this with an allergic reaction, which is the reason for the raised red bumps and itchy sensation. These bugs are crawlers, so the bites tend to be clustered in one place, often in a line. These bugs also have soft bodies which easily burst, so small spots of blood on your bed sheets are also signs of bed bugs.
Scabies, on the other hand target specific parts of the body, particularly on the hand. Scabies rash are also common on the stomach, around the genitals, between the toes and the elbows. The rashes will initially appear as white lines on the skin, but eventually develop into raised, red bumps.
Are Bed Bug Rash and Scabies Rash Treatments The Same?
Indeed, the signs of bed bugs and scabies completely differ from each other, because they are caused by two different organisms. That said, the treatments for these rashes are also very different from each other. With this, it is important to receive proper diagnosis before doing anything else. A doctor can take a look at the symptoms and recommend the right course of treatment for the condition.