Could the fact that the sheets looks completely free of bed bugs etc, be misleading?

Here’s a good checklist of signs of a bed bug infestation. Although some of the signs are from looking at the bed, some of the other items list other signs such as the bite pattern, where they bite and a musty smell:

https://www.terminix.com/bed-bug-control/human-symptoms/

Great question! @janbb has an excellent link.

I just wanted to add a couple of points. Most people get bedbugs in their homes from their suitcases when they’ve been traveling. It’s always a good rule when you first check into a hotel room to put your suitcase in the bathtub and then inspect the mattress. Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress itself, especially along the seams. You’re looking for small blood spots or the bugs themselves.

They are visible to the naked eye.

Thank you. So, is there something that couldlook a lot like bed bug bites?

@flo Scabies is one possibility that comes to mind.

@gorillapaws I see the similarity.