As a child, your parents likely often told you “Don’t let the bed bugs bite” before bed. But, did they ever tell you what to do when bed bugs do bite?
These little menaces can cause sleepless nights of constant itching and worry. We know how terrible bed bugs can be, which is why here we cover bed bug bite treatment options and how to prevent them before they happen.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed only on human and animal blood. You can find these insects all across the world. They are identifiable by their reddish-brown colorings and their small, apple seed-like shape.
Amazingly, bed bugs can survive many months without consuming blood. When bed bugs do feed, they feed at night when their human and animal victims are sleeping.
During the day, they hide away from the light and are most commonly known to hide in the seams and crevices of bed mattresses. Bed bugs are also known to live in headboards, bed frames, clothes, furniture, carpet, and other belongings.
Bed Bug Bite Symptoms
Bed bug bite marks look similar to that of mosquito or flea marks. They appear as swollen, reddish dots that are itchy and irritating. Bites may appear in random places of the body or in a straight line.
Other more rare symptoms of bed bug bites include insomnia and anxiety. If you are allergic to bed bugs bites, you may experience enlarged bite marks, painful swelling at the bite site, and possible anaphylaxis.
How To Treat Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites typically heal within one to two weeks. If you scratch your bed bug bite and it becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics.
The best topical treatment for bed bug bites is anti-itch cream or lotion with one percent hydrocortisone. You can also treat bed bug bites with an oral antihistamine.
If you would rather use a DIY bed bug treatment, you can use aloe vera, witch hazel, or even baking soda.
The Best Bed Bug Bite Treatment
The best bug bite treatment is to stop the bites before they happen. You can do this by calling bed bug services at the first sign of the little menaces.
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs do not have a preference for either sanitary or unsanitary conditions. Some telltale signs of a bed bug infestation are piles of exoskeletons the insects leave behind after molting, tiny blood spots on your bed mattress or sheets, small black droppings, and a musty odor.
Take the Itch Out of Bed Bug Bites
The best bed bug bite treatment has some anti-itch elements to it. Whether you go with a topical treatment like an anti-itch cream or lotion, or if you take a DIY approach and use aloe vera, you can be assured your bites will clear up with no problem.
If you found this article to be helpful, then you can browse our ‘Health’ archives for more related content.
