Getting bed bugs is on most people’s list of worst fears. It is a horrible experience and they’re hard to get rid of. That’s the truth. There are several myths out there which are simply not true. Bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but if you were told not to “let the bed bugs bite” when you went to sleep as a kid, that phrase may ring in a different tone today.
How to Know if You Were Bitten by a Bed Bug
The bites are typically red and itchy. If it’s you’re first time, then you might not notice anything. It can take days for redness or welts to appear so you might not know where you were when you got bitten. Most bed bug bites look very similar to mosquito bites. They do, however, have a tendency to bite many times to find a good blood source so you’ll see bites in straight rows or in zig zags. They may be clustered as well.
Bites are often on the face, hands, neck, arms, and legs. Usually, you do not feel it when getting bitten. Most people are sleeping at the time. Bed bug bites are often mistaken for hives or a rash. While they may go away in a few days to two weeks, the site can get infected if you scratch too much and open the skin. Some people get allergic reactions to bites, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The best bed bugs bites treatment depends on each individual case.
Can I Perform Bed Bugs Bites Treatment Myself?
If there’s no sign of infection, and you don’t suffer an allergic reaction, yes. The most basic treatment is to wash up. Soap and water cleans the skin and removes any bacteria that can cause an infection. Some people have sought treatment for conditions such as MRSA, but this is secondary as the bacteria got into an open sore after a bite was scratched open.
The spread of superbugs is a myth. In fact, many communities where infections are most common also suffer from more bed bug problems, so people tend to make false connections. With no infection, you can very well wash with soap and water; this can cut down on itchiness too.
There are also anti-itch creams you can buy in the drugstore. Weaker forms are available over the counter and provide temporarily relief. Apply until the bites heal.
Are There Professional Treatments for Bed Bug Bites?
There’s no specific medical treatment just for bed bug bites. For more severe itching, a physician can prescribe a stronger corticosteroid. Antihistamines help as well, but there are many types so your dermatologist will have to determine which one is the best in your situation.
Bed bug bites should be treated professionally if you have many of them or blisters develop. A pussy discharge may indicate an infection or a large and/or growing area of swelling, hives, and red skin can form. These symptoms could indicate an infection or allergy. A physician will go about treating the condition based on your symptoms.
- Infections: A small skin infection can snowball into something worse if nothing is done about it. You might need an antibiotic. Dermatologists prescribe antibiotics or, for a mild infection, an antiseptic you can just rub on the affected skin. Antiseptics don’t always need a prescription, however. They can help prevent infections in many cases.
- Allergic Reaction: Severe reactions such as swelling, excess redness, severe itching, fever, etc. require immediate injections. Some medications used in these instances include corticosteroids, epinephrine, or antihistamines.
The Best Treatment is Prevention
Most people who are bitten by bed bugs don’t have to do anything. It helps to know what to do just in case. If you notice bites when you wake up in the morning, check your mattress, carpet, and any dark area that is perfect for a small bug to hide. Keeping sanitary is helpful, but bed bugs have a way of creeping in. At the first sign, consult with a pest control company that can offer the most proper and effective treatments so the bed bugs go away and never come back again.
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