Have you ever had trouble sleeping because of bed bugs? Well, these tiny beings don’t just cause nightmares—they are the nightmares themselves. Even the thought of having them in your bed can make it tricky to relax and fall asleep.

And with the slightest chance of a bed bug infestation, you might wake up to little red patches on your skin, a sign of bed bug bites. But then, tiny red patches caused by a heat rash can also be confused for bed bug bites.

So, how do you tell the difference between heat rash and bed bug bites? Please continue reading to learn more.

Heat Rash vs. Bed Bugs: Basic Definitions

Heat rash is a skin condition caused by blocked sweat ducts. It’s popular during hot, humid weather and is more profound in infants and young kids. Heat rash is depicted by pimples or blisters that cause itchiness.

Bed bug bites are defined by raised pimple-like bumps with a dark red center. These bumps are usually arranged in line or zigzag clusters. However, Pest Control Technology estimates that about 30-60% of people don’t develop these bumps after suffering bites.

Differentiating Between Heat Rash and Bed Bugs

Now you know what heat rash and bed bug bites are. But how do you differentiate between the two at first glance?

Heat rash:

• Appears in hidden areas where skin comes into contact with skin, e.g., the neck
• They look more like rashes than individual circles
• It may come with some tingling pain

Bed bug bites:

• Appear on exposed areas of the skin
• Are arranged in lines or clusters
• They can get itchy
• Blood stains might be visible on sheets
• It may affect other people in the household

Heat Rash vs. Bed Bugs: Prevention and Treatment

You can prevent and treat both heat rash and bed bug bites. The best prevention for a heat rash is wearing lightweight cotton clothing in the summer. Overdressing prevents sweat from clearing out, causing a heat rash. A doctor may prescribe a lotion to relieve pain to treat the heat rash.

On the other hand, you can prevent bed bug bites by frequently inspecting your home. If you notice bed bugs, you should seek treatment immediately. The best DIY bed bug treatment method is washing the affected site and applying a cream or lotion to help reduce the itching. Speak to a Nashville exterminator in severe cases to recommend a permanent solution.

Conclusion

Heat rash and bed bug bites can be confusing—and if you have had the horrible experience of a bed bug bite, everything itchy will remind you of the same. But not every itchy condition is due to bed bug bite. Others could be due to heat rash, which is distinctive, as discussed. Being aware of these differences will equip you with the proper knowledge to handle each condition. Otherwise, if you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a Nashville exterminator to recommend the best bed bug treatment method.