Methods Of Treating Bedbug Bites

Bedbugs are a common pest around the world. Once nearly eradicated, they’re making a strong comeback in countries like the United States. They infest cabins, hotels, and parks where families attract them and bring them home unaware of their presence. Commonly found in dark, warm areas, these parasites feed on their host while it sleeps. They are attracted to a host’s warmth and the carbon dioxide it exhales, making humans a prime candidate for feeding. Contrary to popular belief, beds are not their only home. Closets, bathrooms, and almost anywhere else can be a shelter for these pests. Typically, families are unaware they have bedbugs until they are bitten. At first, the bites may appear as a rash, or the host may misclassify them for another type of bite, such as a mosquito bite. Bedbug bites are immensely uncomfortable for many individuals, but others may feel nothing at all.

Apply A Cool Compress

Bedbug bites are commonly itchy, swollen, and overall unpleasant. It’s wise to treat them like chickenpox and use methods to reduce swelling and soothe itching. Apply a cool compress to help with both symptoms! Making a cold compress at home is as simple as wrapping some ice in a clean towel, which will work effectively to treat bedbug bites. Typically, bedbug bites take a few days to weeks to clear up entirely. A cold compress (or any of the following treatments) will not heal bedbug bites overnight, but will provide temporary relief from the symptoms.

Take An Antihistamine

Individuals with allergies may already be familiar with antihistamines and their allergy-relieving powers. Commonly used to reduce the swelling and itching caused by allergic reactions, antihistamines serve the same purpose for bedbug bites. When bedbug bites start showing symptoms, patients can take an antihistamine to reduce the body’s allergic response.

Antihistamines come in a variety of forms, with a spectrum of active ingredients. Diphenhydramine is commonly used for bedbug bites, but the medication that works best for each patient depends on their personal needs. Patients can speak with a doctor for advice on this.

Apply A Medicated Cream

Like antihistamines, other medical substances relieve itching and swelling associated with bedbug bites. Many patients apply a medicated cream to treat bedbug bites instead of a capsule or a liquid suspension. Hydrocortisone creams are a popular alternative to antihistamines for their immediately noticeable relief.

Medicated creams are available over-the-counter and by prescription in severe cases. Hydrocortisone creams are very popular, but some brands make antihistamine creams for patients who feel those are a better fit. Remember to read the side effects of any medicated product before applying it and only use it as directed.

Resist The Urge To Scratch

When an individual has bedbug bites, scratching is likely the first thing on their mind, as these bites itch as badly as mosquito bites, but are often found in clusters. Itchiness is the most commonly reported side effect of bedbug bites, but it’s crucial not to scratch regardless of how uncomfortable it is. When an individual scratches their bedbug bites, they are inviting a host of complications into the situation. Without being scratched, bedbug bites will easily heal within two weeks. However, scratching can cause bleeding, scarring, and permanent damage, which will last far longer than the bite itself.

Scratching also poses a high risk of infection by breaking the surface of a patient’s skin, as when bedbug bites bleed, they are inviting in bacteria and making a bad situation worse. Resisting the urge to scratch is the most important part of treating bedbug bites. Individuals who scratch will face far longer, far more uncomfortable side effects than those who use compresses and medications to stop the itch.

Professional Treatment For The Home

Bedbugs won’t go away on their own. They will stay in a home until they are eradicated or there is no longer a source of food for them. Professional treatments are the only guaranteed way to get rid of bedbugs, and it's crucial to catch the infestation early to minimize their presence.

Exterminators are highly trained in removing bedbugs without families having to throw out their furniture or relocate their homes. They use their experience to find bedbugs in their most common hiding spots (hiding spots homeowners may not think about), and they use professional-grade materials to eliminate the parasites. It’s important for homeowners to schedule professional treatment as soon as they confirm they have bedbugs. The longer they wait to get assistance, the more time the bugs have to propagate and make their colony harder to exterminate. By calling an exterminator right away, families can save themselves a lot of time and money instead of attempting to eradicate the pests themselves.

Take Over-The-Counter Pain Reliever Medication

Bedbug bites may cause burning or stinging sensations, and they can produce localized swelling. To reduce these symptoms, patients can take over-the-counter pain reliever medication such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen. When using any of these medicines, patients should follow the recommendations on the back of the box for the appropriate dosage, and this dose should not be exceeded. Individuals who have underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, should ask their doctor about which over-the-counter pain relievers may be safe for their needs. Some of these medications can cause dizziness, dry mouth, and sore throat, and long-term use could lead to liver or kidney damage. Patients who are unable to obtain any pain relief after using an over-the-counter pain reliever should consult their doctor; it is possible they may need a stronger medication. In general, patients are advised not to use over-the-counter pain relievers for more than seven days without consulting a physician.

Wash Bites With Soap And Water

Individuals who notice they have been bitten by bedbugs should try to wash bites with soap and water as soon as they discover them. Washing the bites will help prevent infection. If soap is not available, patients should never use alcohol or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; these products can damage tissues. Patients may want to wash the bites several times a day, and applying over-the-counter antibiotic cream to the affected area after washing and drying the skin may promote faster healing. To minimize the risk of infection, patients should aim to keep the bites covered with clothing or protective bandages. While washing the bites, patients should examine them for signs of cellulitis, an infection that can sometimes develop from bug bites. If pain radiates from the site of the bite or if red streaks are present, the patient should consult a doctor promptly.

Apply Baking Soda Paste

Patients seeking natural remedies for bedbug bites may wish to apply baking soda paste to the affected area. The paste can help reduce swelling, itching, and stinging from the bites, and it has virtually no side effects. To make a baking soda paste for this purpose, combine one part baking soda with three parts water. Individuals who have never used baking soda on their skin might want to conduct a patch test on a small area of healthy skin before applying the paste to the bedbug bites. If no irritation occurs on the healthy skin after twenty-four hours, it is considered safe to apply the paste to the bedbug bites. Individuals might wish to start with one or two applications of the paste per day, and those with sensitive skin could try one application every other day to begin. Doctors don't recommend using baking soda on the skin on a regular basis since it can be abrasive.

Try Essential Oils

Some patients find it beneficial to try essential oils in the treatment of bedbug bites. Studies have shown camphor, chamomile, basil, and lavender oils can provide pain relief and act as effective anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents. In particular, basil oil is noted for its ability to prevent infection, and it may be helpful to apply this oil after washing bites. A small study from 2011 indicated chamomile oil helped skin lesions heal more quickly than a one percent hydrocortisone cream, and mint oil has been recognized for its effectiveness on particularly painful bites. Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin. Rather, they should first be diluted with a carrier oil. After dilution, they can be placed directly on the bedbug bite or applied to a bandage that will cover the bite. Patients may also want to create a homemade essential oil spray or ointment to treat their bug bites.

Try A Corticosteroid

Many patients will want to try a corticosteroid as part of a treatment plan for their bedbug bites. Corticosteroid creams are typically the first line of treatment for these bites, and many formulations are available over-the-counter. Patients who are using an over-the-counter cream should read the ingredients list and patient leaflet to ensure they are not allergic to anything in the cream and they are not taking any medications that could interact with the active ingredients. When applying the cream, patients need to follow the recommendations for proper dosing, and the cream needs to be applied in a very thin layer once or twice per day. Since hydration increases the penetration of creams and gels, applying topical corticosteroids immediately after a shower or bath can make them more effective. Covering the application site with a bandage has also been shown to improve efficacy. Since long-term use of corticosteroid creams could result in temporary thinning of the skin, patients still having symptoms from their bedbug bites after a week of treatment with over-the-counter corticosteroids may wish to see a dermatologist about other treatment options that could be better suited to their needs. Dermatologists might choose to prescribe stronger corticosteroid creams, and injections of corticosteroids might be considered for certain cases.