Bed bugs are small insects that can live in bedding, furniture, and personal belongings. While they do not spread disease, they can cause itchy bites and are a common concern in shared living spaces and during travels.
Symptoms you may notice:
- Itchy bites, often in clusters or lines
- Red, raised bumps on exposed skin
- Bites that appear overnight
- Skin irritation or itching
Bed bug bites can look similar to other insect bites and are not always easy to identify.
What To Do
If you think you may have bed bugs:
- Contact your RA, hall director, or landlord right away
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat
- Vacuum your living space, especially mattress seams and furniture
- Reduce clutter where bed bugs can hide
Do not:
- Move to another room or location (this can spread bed bugs)
- Move items out of your room before inspection
- Attempt to treat with store-bought pesticides
An experienced exterminator should confirm and treat the problem.
Treatment & Symptom Relief
- Use anti-itch creams (like hydrocortisone) or oral antihistamines (Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin) if needed
- Avoid scratching to prevent irritation or infection
Bed bug bites typically improve on their own.
How They Spread
Bed bugs can spread through:
- Luggage, backpacks, and clothing
- Used or shared furniture
- Travel (especially hotels)
- Personal belongings moved between spaces
They do not fly or jump but can easily travel on items.
Prevention
To reduce your risk:
- Avoid bringing used mattresses or upholstered furniture into your space
- Inspect hotel rooms (mattress seams, bedding) when traveling
- Use luggage racks鈥攁void placing items on beds or floors
- Keep belongings in closets and off the floor
- Wash clothing after travel and inspect luggage
Insect repellents do not prevent bed bugs.
Recovery & What to Expect
- Bites may last several days to a week
- Itching may continue even after exposure
- Eliminating bed bugs requires professional treatment and may take time
When to Schedule an Appointment
Consider being seen at the Medical Clinic if you:
- Are unsure if your bites are from bed bugs
- Have severe itching or skin irritation
- Notice signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage)
Head lice are small insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. They are common in shared living environments like dorms and spread easily through close contact. Head lice are not related to hygiene and can affect anyone.
Symptoms you may notice:
- Itching of the scalp
- A tickling or crawling feeling in the hair
- Small white or yellow eggs (nits) attached to hair near the scalp
Lice or nits commonly found behind the ears or at the back of the neck
What To Do
If you think you may have head lice:
- Ask a friend to help check your scalp in a well-lit area
- Focus on areas behind the ears and at the base of the neck
- Look for lice or nits attached to the hair shaft
If checking on your own:
- Use a mirror (or two mirrors) to examine the back of your head
- Try to move any white particles鈥攊f they slide easily, it may be dandruff; if not, they may be nits
Treatment & Symptom Relief
Head lice are treated with medicated shampoos and removal of nits:
- Over-the-counter treatments (such as permethrin or pyrethrin shampoos) are commonly used
- A second treatment is often recommended 7鈥�10 days after the first
- Remove nits using a fine-tooth comb or by hand
Follow all product instructions carefully. Ask a pharmacist or provider if you have questions about which treatment to use.
How It Spreads
Head lice spread through:
- Head-to-head contact
- Sharing personal items such as hats, brushes, towels, or bedding
They do not jump or fly but spread easily through close contact.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of spreading lice:
- Avoid head-to-head contact
- Do not share hats, brushes, or other personal items
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat
- Soak combs and brushes in hot water
Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for about two weeks.
Recovery & What to Expect
- Itching may continue for a few days after treatment
- A second treatment may be needed to fully eliminate lice
- Removing all nits is important to prevent reinfestation
Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin. It spreads through close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact and is common in shared living environments. Scabies is treatable with prescription medication.
Symptoms you may notice:
- Intense itching, often worse at night
- Small red bumps or rash
- Thin, wavy lines on the skin (burrows)
- Irritation between fingers, wrists, elbows, or around the waist
What To Do
If you think you may have scabies:
- Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with others
- Do not share clothing, bedding, or towels
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat
- Seek medical evaluation for diagnosis and treatment
Scabies requires prescription treatment, so it important to be seen by a provider.
Treatment & Symptom Relief
- Prescription creams or lotions are used to kill the mites
- Treatment is applied to the entire body as directed
- Close contacts may also need treatment at the same time
- Itching may continue for a few weeks after treatment
Follow all instructions carefully to ensure the treatment is effective.
How It Spreads
Scabies spreads through:
- Prolonged skin-to-skin contact
- Sharing bedding, clothing, or towels
It is not spread through brief contact like a quick handshake.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of spreading:
- Avoid close contact until treatment is complete
- Wash and dry items on high heat
- Do not share personal items
- Clean frequently used items and surfaces
Recovery & What to Expect
- Itching may continue for 2鈥�4 weeks after treatment
- Skin irritation will gradually improve
- Additional treatment may be needed in some cases
When to Schedule an Appointment
You should schedule an appointment if you:
- Think you may have scabies
- Have persistent itching or rash
- Have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with scabies
Hives are raised, itchy welts on the skin that can appear suddenly. They are often caused by an allergic reaction but can also be triggered by illness, stress, or other factors. Most cases are temporary and improve with simple treatment.
Symptoms you may notice:
- Raised, red or skin-colored welts
- Itching (sometimes intense)
- Welts that vary in size and shape
- Spots that appear and fade within hours
- Swelling in affected areas
Hives can appear anywhere on the body and may come and go.
What To Do
If you are experiencing hives:
- Avoid known or suspected triggers (foods, medications, etc.)
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine (Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin) if needed
- Apply cool compresses to reduce itching
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid hot showers or anything that worsens symptoms
Most mild cases improve within a day or two.
Treatment & Symptom Relief
- Antihistamines are the most common treatment
- Avoid scratching to prevent irritation
- Cool compresses can help soothe the skin
Follow medication instructions and avoid taking more than recommended.
Common Causes
Hives may be triggered by:
- Allergic reactions (foods, medications, environmental factors)
- Infections or illness
- Stress
- Heat, cold, or pressure on the skin
Sometimes the exact cause is unknown.
Recovery & What to Expect
- Hives often resolve within hours to a few days
- Symptoms may come and go during that time
- Some people experience recurring episodes
When to Schedule an Appointment
Consider being seen at the Medical Clinic if you:
- Have frequent or recurring hives
- Are unsure of the cause
- Have symptoms that are not improving
- Need help managing symptoms
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek medical care right away if you experience:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or feeling faint
These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
