If you have had the misfortune of being bitten by bed bugs you may wonder how long do bed bug bites stay red? One of the many signs of a bed bug bite is the red discolorations that usually appear when one has been bitten by bed bugs. Other symptoms one can experience include irritations, sores, or intense pitching. So, how long do bed bug bites stay red? And what treatment option can be followed to remove these marks?
First off, these bites can occur in any part of the body, but most of the time they occur on the neck, face, hands, shoulders, arms, and legs. These are the areas of the body that get exposed while we sleep, making them more prone to bed bug attacks. Now let’s look at how long do bed bug bites stay red.
The Bite Itself
Most times, the bite itself is not felt by the victim. For many people other than the minor rashes and some irritations that occur after they must have bitten, they don’t notice any other adverse symptoms. Others react adversely to bed bug bites and develop very severe symptoms. The rashes that occur are not detrimental to the victim’s health, and they can go about their normal activities. That is why identification of bed bug bites can be quite tricky Because no pain is felt, most people presume the rashes that appear to be typical skin allergy to a medication, skin lotion or any other allergens. With a clear sign(s) to look at for, we can pretty much identify when we have a bed bug situation in our hands. These signs are:
- A burning, painful sensation.
- Bumps appearing in a row or clustered pattern.
- Increased itchy sensation.
- Bleeding which occurs as a result of the release of anticoagulants in the bug’s saliva. Usually, small spots of blood will be found on bedspreads and pillowcases.
In the case of adverse reactions to bed bug bites, the following symptoms can appear.
- Sleep deprivation.
- Anxiety
- Erythematous rash (a harsh kind of rash that stings and burns)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Having nausea
- Difficulty in breathing.
Usually, after each bite, the affected area will become ridden with red bumps or rashes. They can appear immediately after several hours, or there may be delayed reaction, which causes symptoms to appear only after several days. The red discolorations may stay for some couple of days before they begin to slowly fade away. If there is consistent scratching by the victim, there is a high probability that scars may develop, and there is also a high chance that the wound might get infected from suppuration, bacteria and fungal infections.
Over the Counter Products
To get rid of the red discolorations and scars, some over the counter products can be tried out:
- Calamine Lotion – This topical lotion will provide soothing relief from the itching that are sure to occur. It helps to prevent scars and can make the rash disappear quicker.
- Alka-Seltzer – This solution will provide relief to any allergic reaction that occurs due to the bed bug bite. It will also clear the rash faster.
- Benadryl – This works by preventing inflammatory reactions such as swellings on your skin. It offers a cooling effect when applied to the skin.
Other home-made remedies to adopt include:
- Baking soda – Simply make a paste of baking soda mixed in water. Apply a generous coat of the paste to your skin. Allow to dry and stay on your skin for at least an hour or more before you wash off. The resultant effect can be profound.
- Lemon juice – It has both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It can control the itching, and it offers a cooling relief from irritation and burning sensation.
- Aloe Vera – You can use it in its natural state or the form of a gel. It contains antibiotic and antifungal properties that help in preventing infections caused by consistent scratching.
- Honey – Honey is a natural antibiotic. It also has an anti-inflammatory property that can relieve intense itchings. Apply a sizable portion to the affected area.
- Toothpaste – Toothpaste, especially those that come menthol, is an excellent treatment option for bed bug bites. Apply a generous amount of toothpaste to the affected area. The drying action and formation of a powdery cake by the toothpaste at the affected area will contribute to reducing itching sensations.
When home-made remedies do not work the needed magic, professional help should be sought if you’re among the 5% population who suffer adversely from bed bug bites and may need more than just “Do-it-Yourself” strategies.
Finally, how long do bed bug stay red depends on the treatment modalities you adopt. If you take the right medications and follow professional advice, within a few days any red markings on your skin would have cleared up.
