Bedbugs are one of the most problematic pests that can enter your home. It feeds on blood from both humans and animals. It can love in almost all places inside the house under beddings, clothing, carpet, furniture, and other fabrics. Also, a bed bug bite happens at night as you sleep. Hence, they are very active in feeding on your blood while you are resting.
Moreover, they only crawl and do not have wings. So, they only rely on humans and other things to move around the house. Hence, they can transfer from one place to another through your clothes. Luckily, its bite is not can cause any serious concern. However, bed bug bites are very itchy and uncomfortable, especially for children. The worse case that can happen is an infection if not treated. Therefore, it is crucial to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Usual Signs of Bite
Most people will not feel any pain during and after the bite. However, when signs occur, one will experience:
- Red spots
- Swollen area
- Multiple bites
- Itchiness
Furthermore, it can bite any part of your body. Usually, these bedbugs bites expose body parts, like the face, neck, arms, and hands. Also, heavy scratches may cause blisters and lead to an open wound. Hence, it is normal for children as they cannot control scratches. Treating bed bug bites is not easy, but there are effective ways to do it.
1. Cleaning
The first thing that one can do is to clean the affected area. Therefore, it is good to use mild soap and clean water. It can stop the itchiness for a while, but it may come back after some time.
2. Stop Itchiness
What makes the bite problematic is the fact that it can be very itchy. The following are quick relief for itchiness, especially for children.
- Anti-itch cream
- Hydrocortisone
- Antihistamine
Once you deal with the itchiness, it may go away on its own after a week. However, it is good to ask for a doctor’s advice before using any over-the-counter treatment, especially for children and babies.
3. Alarming Stage
Although very uncommon, one can have a serious reaction to the bite. Hence, it may cause swelling, pain, and fever. If this happens, it is better to seek medical attention immediately. Also, some people might develop an extreme allergic reaction to its bite. Therefore, some way of treating bed bug bites might not be enough. In case of a serious reaction, one needs:
- Antihistamine
- Epinephrine
- Corticosteroid shot
Also, you might need to take antibiotics if you develop an infection.
4. Home Remedies
Aside from using over-the-counter treatments, you may also try effective home remedies. These bed bug bites cure can offer quick relief to itchiness and discomfort. The following are effective home treatments.
- Ice cubes or cold compress
- Use baking soda and water
- Some essential oils (chamomile, camphor, tea tree)
5. Treatment for Babies
If you notice a long line of red spots on your baby’s skin, then it might be a bedbug bite. Therefore, it is good to check their clothes, pillow, mattresses, and furniture. The first thing to do is to clean the area with mild soap and water. Also, you may apply a calamine lotion recommended by the pediatrician. Babies might scratch the area uncontrollably, so you should cover their hands. Additionally, you may wrap it with a bandage to avoid scratches.
6. Identification
One of the most important parts of prevention is to identify bedbugs. Therefore, it is good to inspect every corner of the house and everything you are using. What it looks like?
- It is 5 mm long
- White to yellow or clear color
- Some are invisible to the naked eye
However, nymphs are very easy to spot as they have red to brown color because of the blood. An adult bedbug is easier to find. It looks like this:
- An apple-shaped body
- Very flat
- Red to brown
- 5 to 7 mm long
- A sweet scent
To control these bugs, you must kill them and their eggs.
7. Prevention
Prevention is better than looking for bed bug bites cure. Therefore, the best way to prevent them from disturbing your peace at home is to stop them from entering the house. Commonly, they can enter through cracks, so seal it. Also, they love to hide deep inside fold of furniture and sleeping area like bed and mattresses.
