What is the best treatment for Bed Bug bites?
Have you been thinking about what is the best treatment bed bug bites? This article contains some of the best treatments for bed bug bites.
Although bed bugs are so tiny, they can bring sleepless nights and bed bug bites. No one likes having a bed bug infestation. Sadly, one in five Americans has had a case of bed bug troubles in the past or knows someone who has.
If you find signs of a bed bug infestation, then you need to act quickly. One of the most obvious ways of finding an infestation is spotting the bug bites. People with bed bug bites might experience itchiness, sores, and irritation. There’s also a risk of secondary infection, which means they must be treated immediately. So, let’s talk about some bed bug treatment options.
Treatment for bed bug bites
Uncomplicated bed bug bites can heal on their own within one or two weeks. However, that’s not the case for everyone. So, it’s recommended that you clean the area with soap and water, as soon as you observe the bug bites.
To deal with itchy bed bug bites, you can use any of these three options:
- Apply calamine lotion or an anti-inch cream on the area
- If you are in pain, use an over-the-counter pain reliever
- For burning and intense itching sensations, take an oral antihistamine
If the itching, swelling, and inflammation persist, then you must see the doctor because it might be a sign of infection. Also, look out for fever, chills or pus from the bed bug bite. In such cases, the medical professional might prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. For the itching, the doctor might also add antihistamine pills (or liquid) or corticosteroid creams to the mix.
Home remedies for bed bug bites
You can also try a few home remedies for bed bug bites. They might not be the best treatment for bed bug bites, but they can come in handy sometimes. Some of them include:
- Classic ice pack: You can use an ice pack or cold cloth to get rid of itching and reduce inflammation.
- Baking soda paste: Make a thin paste using water and baking soda, apply and wash off after a few minutes
- Essential oils: Some people swear by essential oils, although researches on these options are few. You can try using essential oils like chamomile oil, camphor oil, basil oil, or lavender oil.
Be Cautious Of Bed Bug Allergies
Bed bug bites can also cause a potentially life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Seek medical attention immediately, if you find any of these symptoms:
- Intense itching and painful swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chills
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Blisters
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swollen tongue
What is the best treatment for bed bug bites?
Although there are options for treating the bites, they are not the best. No matter the treatment you choose, you might need one or two weeks to heal. You also have to watch out for complications.
Therefore, the best treatment for bed bug bites is prevention.
Avoid clutter in your home and seal off cracks and crevices to prevent a bed bug infestation. Look out for bed bug spots, skin or feces. Act immediately if you suspect an infestation. Dealing with infestations at the early stage increases your chances of eliminating them faster.