About a week ago, I asked a friend if I could stay temporarily in his old apartment while my home was being renovated. He agreed right away, but a few days after moving in, I noticed itchy red bumps appearing on my legs and back. Since nothing in my daily routine had changed, I began to suspect the apartment itself might be the cause of the irritation.
Unable to see a doctor immediately, I researched possible explanations online. One issue kept appearing repeatedly: bed bugs. The apartment was dated, and the mattress showed clear signs of long-term use. Although I didn’t spot any insects during a careful inspection, I still took precautions by airing the mattress on the balcony under direct sunlight and covering it with clean bedding. Despite these efforts, the bites continued throughout the week.
According to the NHS, bed bugs are tiny insects that hide in bedding and furniture, feeding at night. Their bites are not dangerous but can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and sleep disruption. Bites often appear on exposed areas like arms, legs, and back, sometimes with delayed reactions. Because symptoms vary, infestations can go unnoticed, making medical advice essential when unexplained bites persist.
