Odd bites creating worry
Originally published in 2012.
Dear Annie: I often feel sharp bites like pinpricks on different places of my body, especially at night. At first, it happened only in the bedroom, but now I get them while sitting in my family room and even in my car.
I thought it might be bedbugs, but an exterminator ruled that out. But the bites are becoming worse. Other members of my family have experienced bites as well.
We cannot see the bugs, but we know we are being bitten. It is unpleasant living this way, and we certainly don’t want to spread the problem to others. I am so frustrated that we cannot get this diagnosed and treated. Twice Bitten
Dear Bitten: In many places, it is illegal for exterminators to apply pesticides without knowing the type of bug they are targeting. Talk to your doctor, and also see a dermatologist to find out whether you have physical evidence of bites and can identify the culprits. Some doctors consider “invisible bugs” to be psychological in origin, but there are plenty of tiny mites that cannot easily be seen.
You may also have an infection or allergy. Have you made any changes to your environment (new shampoo, soap or detergent, recent gardening, getting a pet)? Wash all your clothes, sheets, towels, etc., in hot, soapy water and put them in the dryer. Seal blankets and other items in plastic bags. Clean the floors and carpets.
Dear Annie: I have given baby showers for each of my close friends. However, these same friends are now expecting showers for their second and third kids, too.
I believe every child is a reason for celebration. But I find it tacky for them to think everyone should attend another large baby shower within two years. I am happy to visit the mother and baby after the child is born and bring a gift. But has etiquette changed so much that there are multiple baby showers within the same family? Still Friends
Dear Still: No, etiquette has not changed that much. The intent of a baby shower is to welcome the new child into the world and provide necessary items for the child’s care. With subsequent births, those items can be handed down, making another shower unnecessary. However, it is OK to have a second shower if the guest list is small and limited to family, very close friends and those not invited to the first one. Also, it’s OK if there is a large gap between births or a couple has moved to a new city with new friends. Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column.