How to Treat Bed Bug Bites
If you don’t clean your mattresses and sheets properly, then it’s likely that you’ll share it with bed bugs. Bed bugs are nasty little creatures, and if you get bitten, chances are you’re in for a more uncomfortable night. Don’t worry, though, because there’s a way to cure these itchy marks.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
Bed bug bites appear like a small reddish welt or bump that itches and burns. They don’t usually appear immediately as soon as the bugs start biting you, but they can irritate as much as a few minutes after. Bed bugs usually bite at night, and, although you can’t feel them, feed for five minutes.
There are a few effective ways to relieve and treat bed bug bites. Here are several ones you can try.
Wash The Area
Washing the area with cool water and soap will help relieve and partially remove the unpleasant itchy feeling associated with bed bug bites. As soon as you spot the bumps, wash it with mild, antiseptic soap and cool water. Pat dry thoroughly. Do this at least three times a day.
Get Rid of The Itch
The painful and itchy feeling that come with bed bug bites are the result of the body’s allergic reaction to chemicals that are in the insect’s saliva. You can control the itch with the help of several medications, such as
Oral medications - Antihistamine tablets help relieve the itchiness that come with the bites. Some brands, such as Benadryl, can cause sedation though, so these are ideal for nighttime use, before bedtime. There are other medications that don’t have sedating side effects, and are safe to be used during the day.
Steroids - Oral or topical steriods, such as hydrocortisone or prednisone show effectiveness when controlling bed bug bites.
Calamine lotion - This can be bought over the counter, at any drugstore. Just spread it liberally all over the affected area, and you’ll feel the itch subside.
Other topical creams - There are numerous brands and types of topical creams or lotions that soothe the pain and itch brought by bedbugs. These products can contain substances such as benzyl alcohol, pramoxine and diphenhydramine.
Apply Heat Or Cold
Extreme heat or cold help alleviate the pain and itchiness of the bites. Apply an ice pack or hot towel over the affected areas. Just make sure you don’t burn your skin in the process.
Use Tea Tree Oil
This is an effective, natural remedy that will treat bed bug bites, Just apply it directly to the bites. Not only does it soothe the unpleasant sensation, it also helps disinfect the affected areas.
Bed bug bites go away after some time, but if you want to treat them immediately, then these tactics will work just fine. JUst make sure you don’t rub or irritate the bites, or they will become infected. One last tip: Get rid of the bed bugs.