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Bed bugs

Bed bugs are insects that feed on blood at night and hide during the day in mattress seams, bed frames, skirting boards and furniture.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Bed bugs

Bed bugs are insects that feed on blood at night and hide during the day in mattress seams, bed frames, skirting boards and furniture. They do not transmit disease, and their presence has nothing to do with how clean a home is: they appear just as readily in immaculate houses, because they travel in luggage and second-hand furniture. The hard part is not treating the bites but eliminating the source.

What the bites look like

  • raised red marks with a central point, which itch;
  • often arranged in a line or in small clusters of three or four, following the insect's path;
  • located on areas uncovered during sleep: arms, shoulders, neck, face, legs;
  • they appear in the morning and can take several days to show;
  • some people have no visible reaction at all, which is why an infestation goes unnoticed;
  • others develop blisters and a marked reaction;
  • scratching can lead to a bacterial infection.

How to know it is bed bugs

The bites alone do not make the diagnosis: they resemble flea and mosquito bites, urticaria and scabies. You need to look for evidence in the bedroom.

  • dark ink-like dots on the sheets and in mattress seams — these are droppings;
  • small blood smears on the sheets;
  • translucent shed skins;
  • the insects themselves: adults about 5 mm, flat, brown, the size of an apple pip;
  • a sweetish unpleasant smell in large infestations;
  • where to look: mattress seams and labels, bed frame, headboard, bedside tables, picture frames, sockets, skirting boards, behind wallpaper.

Search with a torch at night or in the early hours, when they are active.

When to see a doctor

  • the bites are very inflamed or blistered;
  • there is warmth, increasing swelling, pus or red streaks — bacterial infection;
  • there is fever;
  • there is a severe allergic reaction with extensive swelling or difficulty breathing — in that case, emergency care;
  • itching is disturbing your sleep;
  • you are unsure what caused the bites;
  • a young child is scratching until the skin breaks;
  • the insomnia and anxiety caused by the situation have become a problem in themselves — very common and entirely legitimate to raise.
Consult with a doctor about Bed bugs

Consult with a doctor about Bed bugs

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Treating the bites

  • wash with water and mild soap;
  • cool compresses for itching;
  • a mild topical steroid for a few days;
  • an oral antihistamine, particularly at night;
  • do not scratch, and keep nails short;
  • antibiotics only if infection is confirmed;
  • the bites resolve on their own within one to two weeks.

Getting rid of bed bugs

This is the part that actually solves the problem, and it is worth being blunt: supermarket insecticides rarely work, and using them badly scatters the infestation into other rooms.

  • engage a professional pest control company — this is what works, and it usually takes two or three treatments a few weeks apart;
  • wash all bedding and textiles at 60 °C and tumble dry on high for at least 30 minutes; heat kills eggs and adults;
  • put items that cannot be washed in the freezer for several days or in sealed bags for months;
  • vacuum the mattress, bed frame, skirting boards and crevices thoroughly, and dispose of the bag outside immediately;
  • use zipped bed bug-proof covers on the mattress and pillows and keep them on for at least a year;
  • move the bed away from the wall, remove valances and do not let bedding touch the floor;
  • seal cracks and gaps around skirting boards and sockets;
  • do not carry infested furniture out to the stairwell unwrapped: this is the usual route of spread between neighbours;
  • tell your building management or landlord: in blocks of flats they move between homes;
  • do not move to another room to sleep: bed bugs follow the person, and this spreads the infestation.

Avoiding bringing them home

  • in hotels, check mattress seams and the headboard before unpacking;
  • do not leave luggage on the floor or the bed: use the luggage rack or the bathroom;
  • on returning from a trip, wash all clothing at a high temperature, even items you did not wear;
  • inspect and heat-treat second-hand furniture and books before bringing them indoors;
  • do not take discarded mattresses or sofas from the street.

Common questions

Do they transmit disease? There is no evidence that they transmit infections to people.

Do they come from dirt? No. Clutter gives them more hiding places, but cleanliness alone neither prevents nor removes them.

Do they live in hair or on the skin? No. Unlike lice, they do not live on a person: they come to feed and retreat.

How long can they survive without feeding? Many months, so leaving a room empty does not eliminate them.

Why isn't my partner being bitten? Many people do not react to the bites. No marks does not mean no bites.

Online consultation

In an online consultation the doctor reviews photographs of the bites, helps distinguish them from scabies, urticaria and other reactions, advises on treating the itch, recognises signs of added infection, and explains what to look for in the bedroom to confirm the source.

This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.

Medically reviewed by

Andrei Popov
Andrei Popov
General medicineMedical License: 464628925

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2026

Online doctors for Bed bugs

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Bed bugs with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(36)

Andrei Popov

General medicinePain medicine7 years of experience

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

Book a video appointment
€86
Doctor
5.0(12)

Yevgen Yakovenko

Family medicine12 years of experience

Dr. Yevgen Yakovenko is a licensed surgeon and general practitioner in Spain and Germany. He specialises in general, paediatric, and oncological surgery, internal medicine, and pain management. He offers online consultations for adults and children, combining surgical precision with therapeutic support. Dr Yakovenko works with patients across different countries and provides care in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Spanish.

Areas of medical expertise:

  • Acute and chronic pain: headaches, muscle and joint pain, back pain, abdominal pain, postoperative pain. Identifying the cause, selecting treatment, and creating a care plan.
  • Internal medicine: heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system. Management of chronic conditions, symptom control, second opinions.
  • Pre- and postoperative care: risk assessment, decision-making support, follow-up after surgery, rehabilitation strategies.
  • General and paediatric surgery: hernias, appendicitis, congenital conditions, both planned and urgent surgeries.
  • Injuries and trauma: bruises, fractures, sprains, soft tissue damage, wound care, dressing, referral when in-person care is required.
  • Oncological surgery: diagnosis review, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up.
  • Obesity treatment and weight management: a medical approach to weight loss, including assessment of underlying causes, evaluation of comorbidities, development of a personalised plan (nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy if needed), and ongoing progress monitoring.
  • Imaging interpretation: analysis of ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray results, surgical planning based on imaging data.
  • Second opinions and medical navigation: clarifying diagnoses, reviewing current treatment plans, helping patients choose the best course of action.

Experience and qualifications:

  • 12+ years of clinical experience in university hospitals in Germany and Spain.
  • International education: Ukraine – Germany – Spain.
  • Member of the German Society of Surgeons (BDC).
  • Certified in radiological diagnostics and robotic surgery.
  • Active participant in international medical conferences and research.

Dr Yakovenko explains complex topics in a clear, accessible way. He works collaboratively with patients to analyse health issues and make evidence-based decisions. His approach is grounded in clinical excellence, scientific accuracy, and respect for each individual.

If you are unsure about a diagnosis, preparing for surgery, or want to discuss your test results – Dr Yakovenko will help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence.

Book a video appointment
€72
Doctor
5.0(3)

Lina Travkina

Family medicine13 years of experience

Dr. Lina Travkina is a licensed family and preventive medicine doctor based in Italy. She provides online consultations for adults and children, supporting patients across all stages of care – from acute symptom management to long-term health monitoring and prevention.

Areas of medical care include:

  • Respiratory conditions: colds, flu, acute and chronic bronchitis, mild to moderate pneumonia, bronchial asthma.
  • ENT and eye conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, infectious and allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Digestive issues: gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), IBS, dyspepsia, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, functional bowel symptoms, intestinal infections.
  • Urological and infectious diseases: acute and recurrent cystitis, bladder and kidney infections, prevention of recurrent UTIs, asymptomatic bacteriuria.
  • Chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, excess weight.
  • Neurological and general symptoms: headache, migraine, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, anxiety, asthenia.
  • Chronic pain support: back, neck, joint, and muscle pain, tension syndromes, pain associated with osteochondrosis and chronic conditions.

Additional care areas:

  • Preventive consultations and check-up planning.
  • Medical advice and follow-up consultations.
  • Test interpretation and diagnostic guidance.
  • Structured support for undiagnosed complaints.
  • Second opinion on diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Nutritional and lifestyle support for vitamin deficiencies, anaemia, metabolic issues.
  • Post-operative recovery support and pain management.
  • Preconception counselling and postpartum support.
  • Immunity support and strategies to reduce frequency of infections.

Dr. Travkina combines evidence-based medicine with an attentive, personalised approach. Her consultations focus not only on treatment, but also on prevention, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

If during the consultation it becomes clear that your case requires in-person assessment or specialised care outside of her scope, the session will be terminated and the payment fully refunded.

Book a video appointment
€75
Doctor
5.0(19)

Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicineGeneral medicine18 years of experience

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies
  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management
  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses
  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment
  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance
  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis
  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care
  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring
  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal
  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange
Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.

Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

Book a video appointment
€70

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