Our 5th day in a B&B in gorgeous Siena area countryside. Downside is that my husband and I have both gotten some red bumps, especially me from what looks like spider bites. I’m starting to consider getting checked by a doc here in case of infection. Is there a doctor, nurse or someone with similar experience who can advise? We don’t return to the states for another 4 days.
Posted by
New Orleans
1206 posts
Do the bites itch? Is it at all possible that these are bed bug bites? No matter how lovely your B&B, it can happen anywhere. The one time that I got bed bug bites was in a RS recommended hotel in Venice where I had stayed twice previously. You may want to google "bed bug bites" and see if visually there is any similarity to what you are experiencing. And yes, of course, if you are concerned about infection, then seek medical help! In my case, I needed both oral and topical antihistamines and cortisone cream, all of which my travel companion and I had with us.
Posted by
Chicago
1943 posts
They could also be dust mites. I got dust mite bumps in Spain that itched and I've gotten bed bug bites. Best way to tell if they are bedbugs is if there are three bites close together-like in a triangle.
If they aren't bed bugs, I'd go to the local pharmacy that have English speakers and describe your symptoms. They are usually pretty good at prescribing antidote, ie. creams that can be more powerful than the US medication.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
889 posts
Spider bites are like mosquitos; single and leave a welt. If that's not what you have it's bed bugs. You're going to want to sterilize your clothes ASAP or risk them in your house.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11181 posts
Ask your landlord where you can get checked?
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Do take it seriously. After countless trips to Western Europe I was bitten in early June in Munich's English Garden. 4 days later my 2 bites had turned my lower leg dark brown and the rest of my leg was turning red, hot, swelling. I went to the pharmacy while in my next destination which was Venice, and the pharmacist said I had to go to the medical clinic and see a doctor. Oral and lotion antibiotics were prescribed, and I was ecstatic to have them because by that time I could barely walk. That was 4 weeks ago, and I'm home now and I still have swelling in my leg.
Yes, do take it seriously!
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC
27 posts
Thank you! These are individual bites and look more like spider rather than bed bug bites. I’ll try to see someone tomorrow as it is wee hours here.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Check with a pharmacist. They are a wealth of info.
All the best.
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC
27 posts
You’re right, JS. That’s exactly what I did today. The pharmacist took a look at my bites, determined they were not infected, therefore no need for a doc, and sold me some hydrocortisone cream. Feel better physically and not so worried now! 🙂