About a week ago, I asked a friend if I could stay in his old apartment while mine was being renovated. He agreed, and I moved in without much concern.

After a couple of days, I noticed strange, itchy bumps appearing on my legs and back. I hadn’t changed my hygiene routine, products, or habits, so I suspected something in the apartment.

Before I could afford a doctor’s visit, I searched online for answers. Most signs pointed to bed bugs, especially since the apartment was old and the mattress had been there for years.

I inspected the mattress but couldn’t find visible bugs. Still, I took precautions by leaving it in the sun on the balcony for a day and using multiple bed covers before sleeping on it again.

Unfortunately, nothing improved. The bumps kept appearing, and I had no choice but to continue sleeping there for the rest of the week.

According to the NHS, bed bugs are tiny insects that live in bedding or furniture. While their bites don’t spread disease, they can be extremely itchy and disruptive to sleep.

Common symptoms include red, itchy bumps, often on exposed skin like arms, legs, and back. Bites may appear hours or even days later, making them hard to identify. Some people don’t react at all, while others experience significant irritation.

In rare cases, bed bug bites can trigger allergic reactions, including swelling or severe responses. If unexplained red bumps suddenly appear, it’s best to consult a medical professional to rule out infections or other conditions.