Case history
Case history
A 20-year-old man presents with erythematous, pruritic papules, some arranged in a linear pattern, on his face and neck. He states that the lesions have been present for a few days and are more raised and pruritic in the morning. He is a college student, having just moved into a dormitory the previous week. On physical exam, there are multiple erythematous papules, some with a notable linear arrangement, over his neck and face.
Other presentations
Bed bug-bite responses range from asymptomatic to anaphylactic.[4][5][6] Reactions are likely to develop due to sensitization to the injection of saliva, although some individuals show no sensitization even after repeated exposures.[7] The most common reaction includes pruritic, erythematous macules and papules, 1-5 mm in size, often with a linear component.[7] Uncomplicated lesions (with no secondary excoriation or infection) usually resolve in 1-2 weeks.[2] Other less commonly reported clinical presentations include papular urticaria, diffuse urticaria, bullous lesions, and anaphylaxis.[3] Lesions may occur hours to days after being bitten. The interval between a bite and a reaction may decrease as the host is repeatedly exposed.[8] Noted environmental risk factors include recent travel or living in housing with frequent resident turnover.[9][10]
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