What are the symptoms and treatment of a bed bug bite?

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Differential Diagnosis for Bed Bug Bite

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Allergic reaction to bed bug bite: This is the most likely diagnosis as bed bug bites often cause an allergic reaction, leading to itching, redness, and swelling.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Flea bite: Flea bites can cause similar symptoms to bed bug bites, including itching and redness.
    • Mosquito bite: Mosquito bites can also cause an allergic reaction, leading to itching and swelling.
    • Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis can cause itching, redness, and swelling, similar to bed bug bites.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
    • Scabies: Scabies is a parasitic infection that can cause severe itching and rash, and can be mistaken for bed bug bites.
    • Lyme disease: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, and can cause a rash and other symptoms that may be mistaken for bed bug bites.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Bullous pemphigoid: Bullous pemphigoid is a rare skin condition that can cause blistering and itching, and may be mistaken for bed bug bites.
    • Erythema multiforme: Erythema multiforme is a rare skin condition that can cause a rash and other symptoms, and may be mistaken for bed bug bites.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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