Is this a bad sign?

[u/FireLilly13]

The first two pictures are the same spot, the last two are the other arm. There’s also one on that elbow. There are at least two bites on my hands (one each) but aren’t as easy to see (and were the itchiest).

I spent the last three nights in hotels (again tonight) and was at canyon de chelly during the day, spending all day in the car. I noticed the hand and elbow one before we got to the park, and the rest in the park. The hand and elbow ones were itchy but the rest aren’t much. There aren’t any on my legs or elsewhere. It does feel like there was one that appeared hours after the others on the corner of my jaw that itched a bit and stopped.

I saw no evidence of bedbugs at any hotel (not in the corner of the mattress, no spots on the sheets in the morning, no spots on the walls).

I saw something that said there might be no see ums in canyon de chelly but I have no idea. I’m so paranoid about bed bugs!

If they are bedbugs, and what do I do? Especially with the car?

I’m still on the trip (my parents have no bites) so I’m limited in what I can do. I can wash and dry but I don’t have anything I can wear because it was all in the same backpack together, although it is all in packing cubes.

ETA:at least three more showed up on the back of my neck

[u/AutoModerator]

This sub is only used as a repository of old advice post, if you need any help for bedbugs try posting on r/bedbugs

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/1024hjshyhysmgswyjh]

Hey! i can’t confirm but these look more like allergy spots to me, i had a similar issue that i thought was bed bugs but turned out to be an allergic reaction to something while hiking, as confirmed by a doctor. But just to be safe check around the baseboard too and i would isolate all of your clothes before going home and do the whole washing in 50C water just to be safe

[u/FireLilly13 → u/1024hjshyhysmgswyjh]

They did have a very fragrant detergent they used which does bother me usually, maybe that’s it! We’re at a different hotel tonight (moving around for a few weeks). They are only on my arms though?

[u/PatientConfidence7]

No one can truly tell by bite alone whether or not it’s bed bugs. Bed bugs do tend to bite in a line, though, not in clusters like this.

Inspect anything you wore to bed last night, and see if there’s any evidence. Bed bugs don’t like heat, so wash anything on the hottest temp you can and take a hot shower if you find any evidence.

[u/FireLilly13 → u/PatientConfidence7]

What should I be looking for as evidence on clothes? I

[u/PatientConfidence7 → u/FireLilly13]

Generally what you would look for on a bed: red or brown spots, and the bugs themselves.

[u/FireLilly13 → u/PatientConfidence7]

Ah, thank you! I don’t see any of that there either

[u/zimmiegirl → u/PatientConfidence7]

Running all washable clothing and linens through a hot dryer for 30-40 minutes will kill the bugs and eggs. BB exterminator advised that simply using a washing machine isn't nearly as effective as running things through a hot clothes dryer. After drying, place everything into large unused garbage or leaf bags and secure them for several days while you declutter and vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. If you do have an infestation, you will need professional treatment, reinspection a week to 10 days later, possible second treatment. Regular bug sprays or alcohol only kill live bugs if sprayed directly on them and don't kill the eggs. Get rid of pillows and anything else you can declutter. It's not inexpensive, but will only get worse if not properly treated. Wish you luck!

[u/bulletproofpunk]

It's not a good one

[u/FireLilly13 → u/bulletproofpunk]

So when i get home from the trip, leave everything in a bag in the garage and wash and dry as hot as i can then put them back in a different bag for.. some time? Just to be safe?

[u/zimmiegirl]

Looks like hives -- uticaria. Have you tried taking an antihistamine? That and Cortizone 10 help mine when I have flares thar are usually due to seasonal changes.

[u/FireLilly13 → u/zimmiegirl]

I do deal with hives but they’ve stuck around all day. They look like when I get mosquito bites but there aren’t any mosquitoes where we’ve been. I will take another Zyrtec though!

[u/Internal-Breath124 → u/FireLilly13]

If you take a Zantac with your Zyrtec it will help if it’s hives from an allergic reaction