Effective Treatments for Bed Bug Bites on People
Bed bugs, which are small insects that come out at night and feed on the blood of people and animals, have been a problem for people for hundreds of years. Not only do these bugs get into our homes, but they also leave itchy, red welts on our skin that are called “bed bug bites.” Even though bed bug outbreaks are becoming more common, it’s important to know how to treat their bites so that you can feel better and avoid further problems.
Bed Bug Bites: How to Tell
People often think that bed bug bites are from other bugs or skin diseases. They look like small, red, itchy bumps that are generally in a line or group on the arms, legs, neck, face, and other exposed parts of the body. But different people can have different responses to bed bug bites. Some people may not have any response at all, while others may get bigger welts or even have allergic reactions.
Relief from Bed Bug Bites
- Topical Creams and Ointments: Bed bug bites can cause itching and pain, but over-the-counter anti-itch creams or ointments with hydrocortisone can help temporarily. These items help calm the skin and reduce swelling.
- Calamine Lotion: Putting calamine lotion on the bites can also help stop the itching and cool the skin, which can be soothing for people who have been bitten by bed bugs.
- Cold Compress: Putting an ice pack or cold compress on the bites can help reduce swelling and temporarily stop the itching. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth so it doesn’t touch your skin directly.
- Oral antihistamines: Bed bug bites can cause itching and allergic reactions that can be lessened with over-the-counter antihistamines. But it’s important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed and talk to a doctor if you need to.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera’s natural anti-inflammatory qualities can help calm irritated skin and speed up the healing process. When you put fresh aloe vera gel on bites from bed bugs, it can help relieve the pain and speed up the healing process.
Don’t scratch.
Even though bed bug bites can itch like crazy, it’s important not to scratch the affected areas. Scratching can cause the skin to break, which can lead to secondary illnesses that make the situation even worse. Using topical treatments and keeping the bites clean can help reduce the desire to scratch.
When to speak to a doctor
- Most of the time, bed bug bites go away on their own and don’t need medical help. But there are times when it may be important to get medical help:
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Get medical help right away if bed bug bites cause severe allergic reactions like trouble breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face and throat.
- Infection: If you scratch the bites and they get infected or if you see more redness, warmth, or pus around the bites, you should see a doctor.
- Bites That Don’t Go Away: If the bites don’t get better or keep getting worse after trying home treatments for a few days, it’s best to see a doctor.
How to Stop Bed Bug Bites
The best way to stop bed bug bites is to get rid of the problem that caused them in the first place. Here are some things you can do to avoid bed bugs:
- Beds should be checked and cleaned regularly. Beds, sheets, and clothes should be washed regularly in hot water to kill any bed bugs or bed bug eggs that may be there.
- Bed bugs and their eggs can be removed from rugs, mattresses, and furniture by vacuuming them regularly.
- Sealing cracks and crevices: Getting rid of places where bed bugs could hide can help stop outbreaks.
- Putting mattress and pillow covers on your mattress and pillows: These covers can catch bed bugs that are already there and keep new ones from getting into your mattress and pillows.
- Avoid buying used furniture: If you buy used furniture, be careful because it may have bed bugs.
Conclusion
Bed bug bites can be annoying and painful, but there are effective ways to treat them that can help. Creams, lotions, and antihistamines that you can buy over-the-counter can stop burning and make you feel better. But if you have a serious allergic reaction, an infection, or bites that keep coming back, you need to see a doctor. Bed bug bites can be avoided by taking steps to control and get rid of infestations. This makes sure that everyone has a safe and peaceful place to live.
Bed Bug Control Newmarket, we understand just how revolting and disturbing a bed bug infestation can be. Therefore, we have devised perfect procedures to not only exterminate the current population of adult bed bugs in your home but also to prevent a repeat infestation led by the nymphs and eggs.