Bed Bugs and Black Skin

We live in a global world, and that means the bed bug infestation that started in Paris is more than likely already in your country, city and town.

Bed bugs can live on clothing, bedding, and furniture for up to six months, so it is pretty much inevitable that you or someone you know will be bitten by a bug in the very near future. So what do you do?

Bed bug bites tend to happen on exposed areas while you’re asleep—your face, neck, arms, and legs are vulnerable.

Typically a bed bug bite is usually red, itchy, and can appear in clusters or in a line on the skin. However, bed bug bites on Black and brown skin may not always show up angry and bright red, rather the skin can look purplish, flush a deeper brown or very dark red.

The site of the bite can be quite painful, inflamed, warm and swollen, so it’s important to look out for these signs as well when inspecting for bites. As you can see from these images shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) the appearance of bed bug bites on Black skin can vary widely.

Dealing with a bed bug bite

• Clean the site with soap and water this calms down the itch

• Apply cold compress to cool the skin and reduce inflammation

• It’s tempting, but do not scratch as this can break the skin and cause infection

• Apply a mild steroid cream like hydrocortisone which is available from the pharmacy

• You can also take antihistamines which will help take the edge off the irritation

It can take up to two weeks for the skin to recover after a bed bug bite and it can result in post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or dark marks.

Bed bugs have nothing to do with hygiene or cleanliness, but if you’ve been bitten make sure you hot wash your linen and use a hot dryer as well if possible. Check your soft furnishing like curtains and cushions - everything will need a deep clean. Ultimately, you may also need to call in pest control.