Allergist and Immunologist Questions Rashes

Can bed bugs cause an allergic reaction?

I woke up this morning with a severe rash on my back. Down the hall from me, in my complex, there was a bed bug issue. I've had my sheets cleaned but I still woke up like this. Could bed bugs have caused this reaction or should I get tested for something else?

3 Answers

Bed bugs do not cause an allergic reaction, but their bites can look like a rash and a physician should be able to decide if that is a possibility once they see the rash and discuss your case. If you do not have an infestation in your home and other people at home have no issues, then bed bugs are not a likely explanation.
Best of luck.
I would not assume your rash was caused by a reaction to the bed bugs.
Yes, bedbugs could have most definitely caused this rash. Examine your mattress because mattresses are often a hiding place for these creatures.

Sincerely,

Margaret L. Soderberg, M.D., FACAAI