Methods Of Treating Bedbug Bites

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.