About a week ago, I temporarily moved into a friend’s old apartment while my own place was being renovated. At first, everything seemed normal. But within just a few days, I began noticing itchy red bumps appearing on my skin — especially on my legs and back.

I hadn’t changed my hygiene routine, detergent, or skincare products, which made me suspect the environment itself might be the cause. Before seeing a doctor, I researched possible explanations and quickly noticed a common theme: bed bugs.

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

One of the most confusing aspects is that bed bug bites don’t always appear immediately. In some cases, itchy welts can develop hours, days, or even weeks after exposure — and some people don’t react at all.

Common signs often linked to bed bug bites include:

• Red, itchy bumps that can feel irritating or inflamed

• Bites on uncovered skin, such as legs, arms, or back

• Delayed reactions, making it hard to pinpoint the source

• Increased sensitivity, where some individuals develop larger welts or swelling

Although serious allergic reactions are rare, excessive scratching can break the skin and potentially lead to secondary infections.

Even after taking precautions with the mattress and bedding, the symptoms persisted, reinforcing how difficult these pests can be to detect and eliminate. The experience was a reminder that unexplained skin irritation can sometimes be environmental — and that early awareness can make all the difference.