Bed bug bites and acne are common skin issues. They may seem one and the same but they’re not. It’s essential to know how to tell the difference between a bed bug bite and acne on the back if you intend to treat them.
Bed bug bites are red, raised, and inflamed bites caused by tiny insects called bed bugs. Unlike acne, bites are not pus-filled but rather itchy. Acne causes red and inflamed pus-filled pimples on the skin. Unlike bites, they’re often pus-filled and can pop. Rather than itching, acne can be painful.
Of course, any matters of the skin you’re concerned about can be a cause for a visit to your doctor. They can properly diagnose your condition and advise you on how to get rid of them.
Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like Pimples?
There is no definitive answer to whether bed bug bites look like acne and pimples or not. Everyone reacts differently, so it’s hard to say for sure if all cases of bites and acne will look similar.
Generally, though, the two can look very similar, especially to untrained eyes.
While it’s easy to confuse one for the other, it’s important to know how to distinguish them so you know how to treat them.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Bed Bug Bite and Acne on Back Bump
At first glance, bed bug bites and acne can look pretty similar but they are different and it’s important to know how to tell them apart:
What are they?
Bed Bug Bites
These are rash-like bites from bed bugs. They look like raised red bumps. They can also look like red welts on the skin, often showing up in a straight, zigzag, or clustered pattern.
Acne
Acne is a common pimple-causing skin condition. Pimples are reddish bumps and are often puss-filled and painful.
What causes them?
Bed Bug Bites
These are caused by tiny nocturnal pests called bed bugs. These bite animals and people for food. Bed bugs bite mostly at night. They’re flat and reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed.
They are nature’s hitchhikers and can live anywhere in your home, even if you keep yours spotless.
Acne
This is a result of clogged pores. Sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells can clog these pores, which then causes acne.
Air pollution, excess sebum, tight-fitting clothes, and hormonal fluctuations are also contributing factors.
What are the symptoms?
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites tend to appear as small raised red dots bumps and welts that look like rashes or pimples. These can be itchy and irritated, with some level of pain, discomfort, and burning sensation.
Some may find these insect bites developing into blisters and pus-filled bumps. Scratching them might lead to skin infection and even scarring.
Acne
Acne causes pimples and pus-filled bumps that are often red and at times painful. Blackheads and whiteheads may also appear.
Unlike bed bug bites, acne isn’t itchy.
Where do they appear?
Bed Bug Bites
Commonly affected areas include the face, neck, arms, chest, upper back, and other parts of the body that might be left exposed while sleeping.
Acne
Acne often appears on the face, cheeks, forehead, and chin, and sometimes on the back.
When do they appear?
Bed Bug Bites
They often appear the next morning after a bug bites you in your sleep. In some cases, however, you can’t notice bites until after 24 hours of being bitten or unless you develop an allergic reaction.
Acne
There’s no definitive answer to this as it depends on one’s skin type and condition.
How are they treated?
Bed Bug Bites
Treatment includes gently washing the area with soap and water. You can apply an anti-itch cream. In some extreme cases, you may need a stronger steroid cream or antihistamine medication.
Acne
Treatment depends on the severity of your case. Some could heal with topical medications. Some take oral medications or procedures like lasers or chemical peels.
How long until they disappear?
Bed Bug Bites
These develop faster but disappear slower than acne.
Generally, bite marks will remain the same size for about a week and start fading over the course of the following week. But unless you solve the issue of your home’s bed bug infestation, you will likely get more bites.
Acne
Acne generally disappears faster than bites. Acne can fade over the course of several days up to a week until it’s fully healed. Of course, this would still depend on the type of acne.
What are the side effects?
Bed Bug Bites
These don’t typically entail serious health issues. They itch and cause red dots but that’s about it.
The only reason to be concerned is if the person has an allergic reaction to the bite. Side effects can include breathing difficulty, fever, swollen tongue, and feeling sick.
Acne
The real side effect of acne isn’t so much more of health concerns but rather mental health concerns. It can cause a disruption in one’s mental health and self-esteem.
Acne that doesn’t seem to go away may have other underlying causes. In this case, a visit to your dermatologist may be due.
Conclusion
For untrained eyes, acne and bed bug bites seem to be the same, but they’re not. Both are common skin issues and it’s important to know how to tell the difference between a bed bug bite and acne on the back if you want to treat them the right way.
Bed bug bites are caused by tiny insects called bed bugs and usually appear like red raised rashes on the skin. Acne, on the other hand, is reddish and painful bumps that are often pus-filled. They are caused by clogged pores or hair follicles. Unlike acne, bites are not pus-filled but are often itchy.
If you aren’t sure what skin issue you’re dealing with, it’s always best to consult with your dermatologist so they can help you on a more professional level.
