On behalf of Law Office of Paul Mankin posted in blog on Thursday, December 28, 2017.

Bed bugs can be more than a simple nuisance; they are also harmful to your health.  Do not take a bed-bug infestation lightly, because you and others in your home or apartment may experience health problems. In fact, the EPA says that these pests are a public health issue. 

If you have bed bugs, they can have an impact on the physical and mental health of everyone who lives in the home or apartment. Here are some of the ways bed bugs can affect your health. 

1. Allergic reactions

Certain people do not have any reactions to bed-bug bites. However, bites from bed bugs often have the following symptoms:

• Bites in a small group or line
• Bites that are swollen and red with a darker center
• Blisters or hives

You may initially think these are bites from mosquitoes or spiders, but do not rule out the possibility that bed bugs are biting you. In some cases, bed bug bites can cause severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reactions may require treatment with antihistamines or corticosteroids. 

2. Infections

While bed-bug bites by themselves do not cause infections, they can cause secondary infections such as ecthyma, impetigo and lymphangitis. Repeatedly scratching the bites may cause your skin to break open and contract an infection. 

3. Mental health problems

Believe it or not, bed bugs can have an impact on your mental health. They can disturb your sleep, make you feel anxious and contribute to depression. Living quarters with bed-bug infestations can cause a lot of stress. 

Despite the fact that "Do not let the bed bugs bite" is a fun bedtime saying, bed bugs can cause you to become itchy, infected and anxious. No one deserves to live with these health complications of an infested home or apartment. You may need to consider legal action if your landlord does not remedy your situation.