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tan253's avatar

Are these Flea bite or Bed Bug Bites?

Asked by tan253 (2958points) March 27th, 2013

I have a picture here :
http://bitesgross.tumblr.com

I felt the bite last night, and it was pretty itchy woke up this morning with 5 bites, in the shape of a 5 on a dice, pretty funny.

They don’t itch – but are red, swollen and pretty gross.
I have a 1 year old daughter who co-sleeps, she didn’t get bitten but if it’s bed bugs then we got a lot of work to do to get rid of them.
I also recently got a mattress from a friends house and she owns 4 cats – so could be that?

Sorry photo is dark.
Any ideas?

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17 Answers

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

They don’t look like either to me. They’re pretty big for either one.

Judi's avatar

What ever it is you’re probably allergic to it. You could have a spider lurking in your sheets. I’d launder them.
If they are still swollen tonight take some Benadryl. But be careful if you’ve never taken it before. It could knock you out and you have a baby to care for.

thorninmud's avatar

We had a minor bedbug problem awhile back, and the bites looked just like that. Itched like mad, too.

gailcalled's avatar

See your similar question of Sept, 2012 (and the responses):

http://www.fluther.com/150549/are-these-bed-bug-bites-mosquito-bites-or-flea-bites/

I am sorry that you are still dwelling on these odd health issues. Repeating my previous answer, if your daughter is not being bitten, then they are neither fleas nor bed bugs, who are equal-opportunity biters.

tan253's avatar

@gailcalled I remember that question, however I actually do have welts on my thigh that are not made up.
I appreciate I’m a bit of a hot mess when it comes to health, but don’t judge to harshly.
I feel in this instance I’m allowed to soundly ask this question!
I’m not rushing to the Dr or worried about infection merely wondering if anyone has had experiences with what the bites look like and if they look like them.
x

rojo's avatar

Hard to tell from the pic but they do look somewhat inflamed. Is there any kind of hole/holes in the center?

tan253's avatar

kinda, they are too inflamed to tell.

tan253's avatar

They are very red and rashy… horrible and now starting to itch!

Judi's avatar

Take some Claritin. It won’t make you drowsey like Benadryl but may take down the inflammation. You are obviously having a reaction to whatever bit you. If your mouth starts to itch or your throat starts to tighten get medical attention.

Bellatrix's avatar

Do you have mosquitoes where you are? I used to be allergic to them and I used to get big lumps like that. They would often bite me and nobody else. They can be very selective about whose blood they want to suck.

I would do as suggested and wash all your bedding as a first step in case it is fleas. If there are mosquitoes in your area, make sure the window is screened and perhaps use a fan to get some air movement. Also check around your house for standing water and get rid of it.

gambitking's avatar

Definitely not flea bites. Probably not bedbugs either. They definitely look like an allergic reaction. Mosquitos is a possibility, especially if you’re allergic to them. But that’s odd because the bites are isolated, and don’t itch.

gailcalled's avatar

^^^: OP just said, four answers above you, that the bites are ”...now starting to itch!

Inspired_2write's avatar

if not bug bites…also check out for Shingles…they look like mosquito bites but hurt a lot.
If it is only antibiotics can help.
If bed bug? then…wipe mattress with dryer sheets ( for softeners in laundry).
also vacuum the mattress.

rooeytoo's avatar

I think if it were flea bites they would be all over your house, not just in the mattress and as was said, they probably would not just bite you, they would bite everyone in the bed. I wouldn’t take meds, I would treat them topically first, plain old alcohol or some sort of antiseptic. Wouldn’t hurt to spray the bed with some sort of bug spray though. There was a bedbug epidemic here not long ago, seems as if all hostels and backpacker joints were infested.

tan253's avatar

update : It was a herpes attack on my leg!
Shingles or my cold sores took the wrong pathway and ended up on my leg apparently.
So weird, just healing now after the Dr gave me some antibiotic as they swelled up like crazy – but thanks everyone for your help!!!!!

tan253's avatar

you were right @Inspired_2write !!
Shingles.

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