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Updated: May 16, 2026
06:04
A Method for Evaluating Insecticide Efficacy against Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius, Eggs and First Instars
Published on: March 15, 2017
[Unclear pruritic and urticarial skin inflammation. Bed bug attack]
A Arayesh1, D Wieczorek, A Kapp
1Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Ricklinger Str. 5, 30449 Hannover. Arayesh.Anthony@mh-hannover.de
Summary
A patient presented with severe itching and skin rash after a trip to London. The diagnosis was confirmed as cimicosis, or bed bug bites, after examining skin biopsy and a bed bug specimen.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Entomology
Background:
- Bed bug infestations (cimicosis) are a growing public health concern, often presenting with cutaneous manifestations.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, patient history, and sometimes entomological evidence.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old woman experienced severe, persistent pruritus and diffuse urticarial erythema with papules following a stay in London.
- The widespread skin lesions appeared shortly after her return, prompting medical evaluation.
Findings:
- Skin biopsy revealed histological features consistent with an arthropod bite reaction.
- The diagnosis of cimicosis was confirmed by the patient providing a bed bug specimen.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering cimicosis in the differential diagnosis of pruritic dermatoses, especially with a relevant travel or environmental history.
- Prompt identification and management of bed bug infestations are crucial to prevent further cutaneous reactions and public health spread.
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