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Bed bugs

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
During the night, between about 4am and 5am, I get itchiness all over my body - on my arms, legs, and back with red spots like mosquito bites. Some time ago I was given medicine by a nurse (this cleared them up), but now the treatment is over they're back.

answer
Itchy spots at night can be caused by bed bugs, which hide in bedding and bite you while you are asleep - they appear to be getting more common in the UK. Go and see the nurse again and find out what medicine you were given. If it was an antihistamine this would imply that it was an allergic reaction to something you are exposed to at night, especially if the spots quickly settle down within a few hours of getting up. Make an appointment to see your nurse/GP early in the morning when the spots are still there as this will make it easier for them to diagnose the cause.

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