A 31-year-old female asked:
what is the difference between flea bites and bed bug bites?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. John Despain answered
Dermatology 37 years experience
Location: Location, location, location. Flea bites will occur close to ground, so for most of us that's legs only. Bed bugs anywhere on the body. Both produce itchy red bumps.
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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Bed bug bites may: Cause no sx's/signs in some except for 2 small points where skin was punctured by bedbug. When there's a reaction, it may show from an hour to several days after bite. It can cause itchy, pink, swollen, lesions w clear center. In cases of hypersensitivity blisters may develop. A telltale sign is linear track of lesions from sequential feedings – but that doesn't always occur. Bites are usually >.
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Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Provided original answer
in areas that are exposed while sleeping-arms, shoulders,neck & legs. Flea bites may be clustered into 3 itchy bumps that bleed & blanch (turn white) when you press on them. They tend to be found at skin folds (breast or groin) & folds of joints (ankle, knee, elbow, axilla) as well as legs. A rash & swelling can occur as well as secondary infection from scratching.
Sep 22, 2013
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Last updated May 20, 2018
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