How to Treat Bed Bug Bites
Most of the time, bed bug bites can be treated at home since reactions tend to be mild. Whether it’s pain, itchiness, or swelling, a bite can be alleviated with over-the-counter medicines or all-natural remedies. Refraining from itching is one of the best ways to recover quickly.
Should symptoms worsen or persist for a long period, contact your medical professional. To eradicate bug bites from your home, it may be best to enlist help from a professional pest control company.
What Helps Treat Bed Bug Bites?
There are several steps you can take to help bed bug bites heal properly and quickly. When you first notice a bite, you should begin by washing the area with a mild soap and water. Leaving soap on the bite site without rinsing may help relieve itching. Washing your bites will also lessen your likelihood of a secondary skin infection.
After the area has been washed, you can proceed with:
- Applying an anti-itch cream that contains hydrocortisone. You can follow the directions on your particular medication.
- Place calamine lotion over the irritation site to relieve itching and protect the skin as it heals.
- Any pain related to the bite can be mitigated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Minor signs of an allergic reaction can be treated with an oral antihistamine.
How Long Does it Take for Bed Bug Bites to Heal?
When left alone and the area isn’t disturbed with itching, the bed bug bite should heal in about a week or two. Scratching the bites will likely prolong the healing process and may lead to secondary skin infections. Some people are more sensitive to insect bites, making the average healing time longer, but typically no more than a month.
What is The Best Medicine for Bed Bug Bites?
There are several recommendations of medications that can be applied to bed bug bites. Over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen, effectively reduce swelling and overall pain. Should you experience any swelling, an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, might be the best move. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package for these medications and consult with a medical professional to be safe.
When to See a Doctor
If you have followed steps like the ones listed above and your bed bug bites are still causing you symptoms, you should consult with your doctor. There are rare instances in which bed bug bites lead to allergic reactions or secondary skin infections. When your symptoms are no longer mild, seek help from a medical professional to ensure your reaction does not get out of control.
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All-Natural Bed Bug Bite Remedies
You likely have several anti-itch options right at home in your kitchen:
- Witch hazel and lemon juice can be applied to the bites with a soaked cotton ball. Both are natural astringents.
- 100% pure aloe vera gel can provide relief and prevent secondary skin infections.
- Apply a heavy coat of baking soda and water paste on the bites. Let the paste dry for an hour or more and then wash it off with water.
- Toothpaste contains menthol that doubles as an anti-itch solution.
Bed Bug Bite Treatment
Halting bed bug bites will only occur once an active infestation has been managed. This is usually best accomplished with the help of a professional bed bug exterminator! Consider reaching out and terminating your bed bugs, and their bites, once and for all.