Pests are more than just a nuisance in your home; they can bring significant health risks, particularly to your skin. These unwelcome interlopers can be responsible for everything from annoying bites to severe allergic reactions and a range of dermatological complaints that may require a trip to the doctor.
Being aware of these skin issues can help you recognize the culprit and take corrective action. However, if everything fails for you, contacting Exterminator Services in Buffalo Grove will help you get rid of the root cause of these skin issues. Eliminating pest infestations quickly helps keep your skin and health safe from those invasive creatures.
Common Skin Issues Due to Pests
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Spider Bites
Most spider bites will elicit a mild skin reaction only, but bites from some, such as the black widows and brown recluses, can be serious. Bites from brown recluse spiders can cause necrotic lesions, where the tissue dies and forms a deep, ulcerated wound. Such bites usually appear as two puncture wounds surrounded by redness and swelling, with pain that may radiate from the site of the bite.
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Mosquito Bites
A mosquito bite generally looks like a small, raised welt that is very itchy. Those bites happen when female mosquitoes puncture your skin to suck up blood and inject saliva that includes anticoagulants. Roughly 1 in 5 people have stronger reactions to mosquito bites and will experience larger areas of swelling and redness. Though most mosquito bites are little more than an itch, they can also carry serious illnesses, such as West Nile virus, malaria, and Zika virus, in some places.
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Flea Bites
Flea bites usually look like small, red bumps with a red halo around them. They’re incredibly itchy and often bunched around the ankles and lower legs. Pet fleas can hop onto humans and deliver these pesky bites. Scratching can cause secondary infections that further aggravate the condition and delay the time needed for healing.
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Bed Bug Rashes
Bed bug bites typically present as red, itchy welts in a line or cluster, known as the “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern. These bugs feed on human blood while you are sleeping around, producing reactions that may take up to 14 days to show. Almost 70% of humans will experience some skin reaction to bites from the parasites. Still, others will not display any symptoms.
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Tick-Borne Rashes
One of the most troubling skin reactions from pests is a tick bite: the classic “bull’s-eye” rash (erythema migrans) you may have heard of associated with Lyme disease. This unique rash develops in about 70 to 80 percent of people infected and starts at the point of a tick bite, then over the course of days, spreads to form a round or oval-shaped pattern. Other tick species may cause other types of rash or skin infections that require appropriate medical attention.
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Scabies
Scabies are a very contagious skin disease caused by tiny bugs that penetrate the outer layer of the skin. The infestation causes intense itching, particularly at night, and a rash resembling pimples. Scabies mites form small, raised, grayish-white or skin-colored lines known as burrows on human skin, which commonly appear between digits, around the wrists, in armpits, and on genitals.
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Cockroach Allergies
In sensitive individuals, cockroach allergens can also cause skin reactions. These can include rashes, hives, and eczema flare-ups. Proteins in cockroach saliva, feces, and molted body parts can become airborne and touch the skin, triggering allergic dermatitis. Cockroach allergens are common triggers for skin issues in urban areas.
Seek Professional Help!
If you are having unusual or severe skin reactions that may be pest-related, be sure to see a healthcare provider right away. This allows doctors to diagnose the condition properly, recommend the appropriate treatments, and prevent complications like infections or systemic reactions.
A powerful but neglected remedy for long-term relief, however, is to tackle the source of the problem. Expert pest control service providers can track down pest infestations that may trigger your skin problems and apply the right elimination measures.
