It’s sometimes difficult to figure out what’s wrong with the body let alone what caused it. But several bumps on the skin that itch can be frustrating. What is it? Where did it come from? How to treat it? Will it come back? Most skin disorders are quick to diagnose but sometimes there are others that look similar, making a diagnosis a bit more difficult. This is particularly true for rashes that can be similar in appearance. There are major differences and treatments so it’s best to know the difference. With both scabies and bedbugs in the news regularly, how do you know?

Scabies are caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin to lay eggs. The first sign may show up as a wavy lines on the body caused by the burrows where the scabies go in the skin. When scratched, the area can become infected, changing the burrows into small, red bumps with some filled with pus that will burst when scratched. The itch is severe and can be worse during a warm or hot bath or at night. The rash actually is an allergic reaction to the scabies waste as well as existence. Scabies are found primarily on hands in the webs and feet between toes. They can also be found under the breasts, armpits, and stomach. Scabies is very contagious and is transmitted by physical contact and sharing clothes or bedding. One area that gets overlooked is under the nails when used to scratch the itching. It is important when using the prescription scabies cream to also be sure to apply the cream below the nails.

Bedbugs, on the other hand, loves to live in mattress, sofas, and other furniture, and feed on human blood, or any warm-blooded animal. Bedbugs are often brought into the house during moving or purchasing used furniture. When a bedbug bites, it usually happens at night and shows up as a small red bump or welt that looks similar to a mosquito bite, only a bed bug lasts longer. The bite can cause intense itching or hurt caused by an allergic reaction to the anesthetic the bedbug uses to bite without being noticed. Sometimes, there will be several bites in a row. Bed bugs are not parasites and do not lay eggs in your skin. They also are visible unlike scabies which are microscopic. Still, it is possible to have bedbugs and yet never see any.

So which is it? Scabies or bedbugs? The difference between bedbug bites and scabies is that when a bedbug bites multiple times, they’re often in a row. Also, bed bugs do not reproduce in your skin since they aren’t a parasite. Another difference is that the itch from a bedbug bite can be calmed temporarily with warm water. Bedbug bites are also not contagious like scabies are . People are reporting them in apartment and condo complexes as well as fancy hotels. Due to the popularity of travel, it’s possible to take one home in your luggage. Scabies can be spread around at schools, nursing homes and other facilities due to the close contact. As always, medical attention is best for a confirmed diagnosis and treatment.