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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffMost bedbug bites require no medical treatment. You may want to consult your family doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the bites or if you develop a skin infection after scratching the bites.
What you can do
You may want to prepare a list that includes:
- A detailed description of your symptoms
- History of recent international travel
- History of recent hotel stays
- All the drugs and supplements you take
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will carefully examine your bite sites and ask questions about the types of insects you might have been exposed to recently.
- Goddard J, et al. Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and clinical consequences of their bites. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2009;13:1398.
- Potter ME. Bed bugs. Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/entfactpdf/ef636.pdf. Accessed Oct. 20, 2009.
- DDT ban takes effect. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/history/topics/ddt/01.htm. Accessed Oct. 20, 2009.
- Elston DM, et al. Bedbugs. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 20, 2009.
- Kells SA, et al. Prevention and control of bed bugs in residences: Information for homeowners and tenants. University of Minnesota Extension Service. http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/components/DK1022.pdf. Accessed Oct. 21, 2009.
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