How To Treat Bed Bug Bites?
Bed bug bites cause irritations and skin rashes. Though not harmful the itching around the bitten spot is very annoying. Nocturnal in nature, the bed bugs are highly active at night. 12 AM to 3 AM is bed bug meal time. The bugs come out of their hiding spots like cracks, crevices, and underneath the bed linen and sheets to drink blood during this time. They pierce through your skin to drink blood. In a single meal, the bugs gain six times their body weight. While drinking blood, the bugs leave their saliva in the skin area. It is this saliva that causes the infections. In this article, we explain a complete guide to treating bed bug bites.
Before treat the infected spot, you should confirm if the rashes are due to bed bugs. To identify the bed bug bite, look for the following symptoms.
Symptoms of the bed bug bites
The bed bug-infected area is red and swollen. There is a dark spot in the centre of the affected spot. Spots of the bites are in clusters and grouped at multiple locations. The spots are itching and may rarely cause burning sensations. You may also find blisters. Do not scratch them. The spots bleed if you prick or scuff them.
How to treat bed bug bites?
First, wash the spot with clean water. Do not use soaps or creams for washing. It may burn. Apply some steroid cream over the spot. You can also take oral antihistamines if the itching doesn’t go away in two days. Place a cold towel or an ice pack to reduce the itching. You can also apply a thick paste of soda and water.
How to treat bed bugs on a baby?
First, check the sheets and the bedding of the baby. Scan through the bed frames and mattress. Wash the spot with warm water. You can apply a cold compress for additional relief. Use low-strength steroid creams. Consult a paediatrician before applying.
How to make a cold compress?
You will need ice cubes or frozen vegetables, water, a clean cloth, and a towel to make a cold compress. First, put the ice cubes in a waterproof bag. You can also use a small air-tight container or a plastic bag to hold the ice cubes. Small frozen vegetables are a better option. Dip the cloth in water. Now, wrap the ice cube pack or the frozen vegetable pack with a wet towel. Your cold compress is ready! Place it on the infected spot. You can place this for 20 minutes. If you are giving the compress to your baby do not prolong it. Give in short sots. Place it for a second or two and then remove it. Wait for another second. Place it again. Do not prolong it for more than five minutes. However, you can give a cold compress once an hour.
Natural Remedies to treat bed bug bites
Calamine Lotion: The lotion is one of the oldest methods to treat bed bug bites, but is highly effective. It helps to stop the itching. As soon as you apply the lotion, you feel cold on the infected spot. The chillness of the lotion pleases the skin cells and soothes them. You may apply the lotion thrice a day. If you have hairy skin, use a damp cloth to remove the lotion before you reapply. Because the lotion sticks to your hair after drying.
Soda and Water: Mix baking soda and water into a thick paste. This is the best remedy for any insect bite. And also, gives quick relief. As soon as you apply the paste, the infected spot feels warm. You can apply the paste at night before you sleep
What is the fastest way to treat bed bug bites?
The best way to treat bed bug bites is to first wash the infected area with water and apply corticosteroid cream. You can use a weak corticosteroid cream. Stronger ones are expensive.
Is it okay to use lemon to treat bed bug bites?
Yes. You can use lemon. Squeeze the lemon, extract the juice, and filter out the seeds. Pour a drop or two on the spots. If your spots are in a cluster, you may spread the juice over the area. But if you have cuts or bleeding in your spots, avoid using lemon. Sometimes, applying lemon on open cuts or rashes may cause burning. But the burning is not bad. It is tolerable. Stay cautious if you are using it on kids.
Home Remedies to treat bed bug bites
Aloe Vera is one of the best home remedies to treat bed bug bites. It keeps the skin cool and hydrated and therefore aids in fast recovery. You can also apply toothpaste over the infected areas. The other best home remedies are lavender oil, oatmeal, tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, etc.
Aloe Vera works the best in treating bed bug bites because it is rich in amino acids. Tea tree oil is good for treating bed bug bites because it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Like tea tree oil, oatmeal also has anti-inflammatory properties. Apply these anti-inflammatory agents and allow them to rest for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse it off with warm water.
How to avoid bed bug bites?
You can prevent bed bug bites by keeping your room clean. Do the laundry regularly. Do not pile up dirty clothes in the room. Bed bugs are attracted to warm and moist spots. Wash the bedspreads and linen frequently. Clean the food spills and water spills on the blanket immediately. If you have pets, dust off the pet hairs on the bed often. Use white cement and fill in the cracks and crevices. Bed bugs are nocturnal. They hide in these cracks during the day and come out at night.
We have given a detailed explanation of treating bed bug bites. Hope! Our article was fruitful. Stay alert! Stay healthy! Bed bug bites are easy to cure. There is nothing to panic about it.