Bed bugs are very dangerous pests that can cause irritation and allergy upon biting. Even though these small bugs don’t usually require serious medical attention but bed bug bites can cause a great deal of anxiety and restless nights. These small insects can crawl at a very fast rate as if flying or swinging through an invisible wave or something. They turn deep reddish brown when they feed themselves with human blood (after biting them). Bed bug bites may not appear immediately, but you can notice the red spot on your skin the very next day or within 24-48 hrs.
But just before we talk about bed bug bites and how to treat your skin for bed bug bites, let us understand all about bed bugs such as where they stay, how they infest, kind of precautions needed, how to remove etc.
Habitats of bed bugs
Hotel suits / rooms, cruise ship cabins, your own bedroom, furniture, couches or other sleeping areas. So next time you check in to a hotel room and you notice the symptom of bed bug bites, make sure to double check your clothes, towel etc before checking out, else they could easily get in to your house.
Symptom of bed bugs presence
Here are a few of the symptoms you should look for. If you notice any of the below, it’s time to investigate properly and get rid of them completely. Here are the symptoms of bed bugs presence;
- A sweet mushy smell, which actually comes from a chemical produced by bedbugs, should help you notice and investigate.
- If tinges of blood on beddings (on blankets), mattress, and furniture upholsteries such as couches are found then there is a possibility of bed bug infestation in the area.
- Bed bugs leave their exoskeletons behind. If you find a shell like remains on the above mentioned areas then you can conclude that there is a presence of these bugs in the area.
- Bed bug excrement looks like tiny blackish specks; if you find something like that on the above mentioned places it confirms their presence.
- A bedbug is usually very smaller in size, so there are no way to find and eradicate them quite easily.
Prevention and precautionary measures for bed bug
These bedbugs generally come to your place through second hand furniture, or when you came back from a trip where we have stayed in a hotel, motel or hostel, which was infested by bedbugs. To prevent this from happening, you should avoid buying secondhand beds and furniture or even if you buy one just check for the presence of these bedbugs, and while travelling don’t place your luggage on the floor as the bedbugs can crawl to your luggage. And after coming back from the trip, inspect your room thoroughly, soon after you arrive at your residence. It will prevent them from infesting your premises.
While on a trip if you see any signs of them, immediately ask for another room. And when you are allotted another room, scrutinize it thoroughly as there is a possibility of their presence in all adjacent and nearby rooms.
After you come back from a trip, wash all clothing (both worn and unworn), dry them using dryer or iron them. Use a hand steamer (or vacuum) to clean you luggage, a garment steamer will kill bedbugs and their eggs.
Symptoms of Bed bug bites
Having bite marks on your body is the most common sign of bedbugs. Unlike the other bugs which causes immediate irritation or pain after they bite, bed bugs bite won’t trigger immediate pain, irritation or itching, they will bite you when you are fast asleep, they don’t even know until the next morning. The bite will start its reaction after a week or two. The bed bug bites appear as several welts, aligned in a zigzag line. These welts itch intensely.
If the reaction is mild then it will itch a little at the places where you have got bitten, it can be taken care by applying any antiseptic creams. In case of severe reactions to people who are sensitive towards allergies might get blisters, fever, breathing trouble. You should take immediate medical care in such cases.
Possible effects of bed bug bites
Usually, bed bug bites are not very serious, but it may cause allergies and other kind of reactions. You may feel difficulties in breathing, irregular or forceful heartbeat, swollen tongue, blisters, fever, sick feeling, infection from scratching and anemia (rare case in case of numerous bites).
Treatments for bedbug bites
Bedbugs generally feed on our blood, from our skins and leave an allergic reaction in it. To get a cure from these, we should go for a dermatologist (skin specialist). Especially if you have many bites, blisters, skin infection (bites feel tender or ooze discharge such as pus), an allergic skin reaction (skin red and swollen or hives).
For mild Infections due to bed bug bites
An antibiotic may be enough in case of minor infections, common antiseptic medicines can be applied which are recommended by your dermatologist.
Getting rid of itching due to bed bug bites
Itching due to bed bug bites could lead into severe skin infections. Hence a prescribed antihistamine pill or liquid medicine can help. A corticosteroid suggested by your dermatologist might also come in handy. So if you feel excessive itching due to bed bugs, you should see a doctor immediately.
Quick cure at home
If you notice the bed bug bites immediately and if your infection has not developed into wound or other allergic reactions, you can help prevent a skin infection and help reduce itchiness.
If your bedbug bites have already started itching, then apply a corticosteroid cream to the itching area. A milder dose will do for minor infection; in case of severe allergic infections you might require a prescribed high dose corticosteroid. By applying these treatments bedbug bites can be healed within a week or two.
Conclusion
Bed bug bites might initially not cause any significant trouble but it might turn ugly if you are vulnerable to allergies. The above techniques are recommended to cure them with ease. As we know that prevention is better than cure, we should take proper precautions to see that we do not take these bugs to our home. And if all else fails, in case of severe bedbug infestation, you should call an expert pest control agency and get rid of them for long term relief.
