Anyone can get a bed bug infestation. Contrary to popular belief, these insects can live in even the cleanest homes and can contaminate the home through clothing, suitcases or other surfaces. The severity of the symptoms associated with their stings varies from person to person; some individuals do not even notice that they have been stung, while others may be allergic and may experience rashes and severe itching. Before trying any remedies for bed bug bites, make sure this type of bug is responsible.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing Bed Bug Bites
Step 1. Observe the sting or bite carefully
There is generally not much difference from the bites of other insects, such as mosquitoes. Raised and red wheals usually form, but there are also cases where a blister develops. It is difficult to distinguish the bites of these insects from those of other parasites; even a doctor may have problems with just looking at the skin.
- These bugs, however, bite following a precise and unmistakable pattern. Although some stings may be isolated, most cluster in rows of 3-5 bites, or gather in clusters of red wheals (a rash called dermatitis). The bites follow a zig-zag pattern or in a straight line if the insects have bitten you in the morning.
- They typically occur on uncovered areas of the body, such as the neck, face, feet, and arms. Unlike mosquitoes, bed bugs rarely bite the back of the knees or in the folds of the skin.
- The bumps or rashes usually clear up on their own within a week or two. However, if you don't eradicate the infestation by killing all the parasites, some stings will heal while new ones will always form. As long as there are bed bugs, you will continue to be stung.
Step 2. Pay attention to when you get bitten
For example, you may notice bites after getting up that you haven't seen before. However, this is a difficult detail to determine, because each person's skin reaction time is very variable. Symptoms can occur at any time, from a few hours to more than a week after the bite.
Bed bug bites have a long incubation period. Visible signs of a bite (a red, itchy bump) can occur up to 10 days after the sting itself
Step 3. Check the whole house for pests
Start in the bedroom. These insects prefer places where people live, because that way they can suck their warm blood. You can see their presence in the red spots on the sheets, which could be caused by a squashed bed bug that had just fed, or by small drops of blood coming from your skin after the bite.
- Check the entire mattress, including the padding and seams. Look for sleeping insects, their carcasses, exoskeletons left behind after moulting and feces (they look like little black specks or smears). Don't neglect the sheets, pillow cases and pillows.
- It is very difficult to see and catch live bed bugs. They are very small insects, brownish in color with more or less oval bodies; they are also very good at hiding. Unfortunately, to be sure bed bugs are biting you, you need to find at least one.
Step 4. Go to your doctor
You can go to your GP for a diagnosis if you can't find traces of bed bugs and can't justify your rash. But know that there is a good chance that even the doctor will not be able to come to a conclusive answer, because the symptoms of the bites are too similar to other skin conditions and to the bites of other types of parasites. Nonetheless, you can find comfort in the doctor's words, who will assure you that bed bugs pose minimal risk to human health.
Your doctor may prescribe a topical cortisone ointment to relieve itching and inflammation. This kind of products are more concentrated than those you can find for free sale
Step 5. Call a pest control company
This is the surest way to confirm that the marks on the skin are the result of bed bug bites. The attendant will inspect the house and will be able to tell you whether or not you have such an infestation.
- The professional will know what to look for and will propose different solutions to rid the house of parasites and avoid being bitten further.
- Spray and mist insecticides generally do not kill bed bugs. To make sure you free the house from their presence, rely on a professional exterminator.
Part 2 of 2: Treating the Stings
Step 1. Wash your skin with soap and water
Use a mild cleanser, such as a regular bar of soap, and enough water to wet the entire surface of your hands. Try to get a thick and abundant lather and then rub it liberally on the affected area. Leave the soap where it is and do not rinse. Wait for the foam to dry on the skin. Repeat this action until all the skin that has been pricked is covered in foam. You should experience immediate itch relief.
This procedure not only relieves itching but prevents skin infections
Step 2. Adopt home remedies for itching
You can try various treatments described below to limit the itching associated with bites; you will need products that you probably already have at home.
- Make a paste with baking soda and water. Add a few drops of water at a time to the baking soda and mix to make a thick paste. Apply a thick layer of this mixture to the rash. Wait for it to dry and let it sit for an hour or more before washing off with warm water.
- Moisten a cotton ball with lemon juice, witch hazel, or St. John's wort, as they are all natural astringents. Dab the rash with this wipe to dry it and control the itching.
- Apply aloe vera gel to the area affected by the stings. Make sure it is 100% pure gel, as this product has both antibiotic and antifungal properties that prevent the development of secondary infections due to scratching.
Step 3. Apply a steroid cream that eliminates itching
A cortisone or hydrocortisone ointment can reduce inflammation and the itchy sensation. You can buy a 1% steroid product at any pharmacy. Your doctor will be able to advise you on which brand of cream is best suited to your situation.
- Follow the directions on the package regarding how to apply. It is a very light product that should not cause any side effects if used for a short time, for example a week.
- You can also ask your doctor to prescribe an ointment with a higher concentration of cortisone.
Step 4. Try calamine lotion
When applied to bites, calamine provides immediate itch relief. It also helps to reabsorb edema and protects the skin during healing.
Step 5. Take an antihistamine by mouth
These medications, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), help you control the allergic reaction that can result from bites.
- Follow the instructions on the leaflet regarding the dosage.
- Remember that Benadryl may cause drowsiness and you shouldn't drive after taking it.
- You can also try an over-the-counter antihistamine cream to apply directly to the bite site.
Step 6. Take a pain reliever
If the bites are causing you discomfort or pain, you can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or pain reliever such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Ask your doctor for advice first if you have any doubts about the dosage and the type of drug that is best for you.
- Ibuprofen (Brufen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Its function is to reduce inflammation and pain, it is also able to limit the hormones that induce fever.
- Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is an analgesic and pain reliever and works by inhibiting pain signals in the brain. It also performs an antipyretic function, that is, it reduces fever. It is not suitable for children.
- Paracetamol (Tachipirina) is safer on children and has the same main effects as aspirin. However, it is not an NSAID and does not reduce inflammation.
Step 7. Visit the doctor
Go to your GP's office if the bites do not resolve within a normal period (one to two weeks). You should also refer your injuries to your doctor if you show:
- Numerous bites.
- Blisters.
- Signs of skin infection (material that oozes and is tender to the touch).
- Allergic skin reaction (hives, red and swollen skin).
- Bed bug bites, like those of any other insect, can become infected when scratched excessively, because many pathogenic bacteria live under our nails. If an infection occurs, the area becomes red, painful, and may drain pus. A fever usually does not occur, unless the affected area is very large. If you have any of these symptoms, you need medical attention to treat the secondary infection. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy or, in mild cases, an antiseptic product that you can buy without a prescription.
- If you have a severe allergic reaction, your doctor may give you an injection of antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine (adrenaline).
Advice
- Remember that no medical intervention is generally needed for bed bug bites. From a medical point of view, these insects pose little or no risk to human health. Furthermore, there is no firm evidence that the treatments are effective in reducing the "healing" time from bites (one or two weeks), as no studies have been conducted on this.
- If you notice bed bugs while on vacation, especially in tropical locations, remember to wash all your clothes in very hot water once you get home. This way you avoid contaminating the home.
