Methods Of Treating Bedbug Bites

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.