Going to sleep perfectly fine and healthy, then waking up to the sight of small, red, itchy patches on your skin is most probably a bed bug nightmare that you never imagined experiencing. If you took care of the bed bug problem right away but are worried about the bed bug bites they left behind, you can always use a few effective home remedies to make the bites less painful. It is also good to learn the signs of bed bugs to make sure you are actually being bitten by bed bugs.
Before you treat bed bug bites
Before treating bed bug bites at home, it’s best to consult a doctor first as they can accurately diagnose the source and provide appropriate treatment. In some cases, antibiotics may be needed for an infection while in others they could be allergic reactions requiring antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Your doctor also can answer any questions about bed bugs, their habitats, and prevention methods. Furthermore, your healthcare provider is aware of any existing medical conditions which might influence your treatment plan.
Top Homemade Remedies for Bed Bug Bites
The following are some simple home remedies to treat bed bug bites that only require a couple of household items:
1. Soap and Water
The simplest home remedy is cleaning the affected area with soap and water. Using soap can help to relieve the itchiness of the bites from bed bugs. It works as a mild antiseptic and keeps the area clean to prevent infections.
To make this remedy even more effective, apply the soap on the affected areas before washing it with water. Let the soap dry before washing it off to give it maximum protection from constant itching.
2. Ice Pack
The pain, swelling, and itchiness associated with bed bug bites are annoying, but applying an ice pack can relieve all of these symptoms. It will numb the nerves, which will lessen the itchiness and reduce the swelling. Always remember to wrap the ice first in a towel or cloth. Do not apply ice directly to your skin.
3. Lemon Juice
To fight inflammation, lemon juice is a natural remedy that is readily available in your home. It can also help in reducing the swelling and itching of the affected area. The effects of lemon juice are noticeable a few minutes after application. Just make sure that you’re not applying the juice over an open wound as it can result in making it worse.
4. Oatmeal
Phenol found in oatmeal is confirmed by the US FDA to be an effective treatment for irritation and inflammation. Thus, it is one of the home remedies for itchy and swollen bed bug bites. Yes, it is a messy procedure, but the effects are worth it.
5. Aloe Vera Gel
Known for its amino acids and active compounds that relieve the burning sensation and itching due to bed bug bites, aloe vera gel is among the go-to home remedies to remove bed bug bites that you can try.
It allows the area to heal while keeping the skin moisturized. All you need to do is scoop out the gel from the leaf and apply it to the affected area. Keep the rest of the gel refrigerated and apply as needed.
6. Cucumber
Another solution you can use for relieving itching is placing a chilled slice of cucumber on the bed bug bite. Leave it in the area for about ten minutes. Whenever the area gets itchy, you can place chilled cucumber slices on it to relieve the itching. One or two cucumbers will make enough slices to last for a few days. Just make sure you keep them chilled until your next use.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acetic acid and anti-inflammatory properties in ACV ease the burning sensation and itching due to bed bug bites. Apply raw and unfiltered ACV on the bed bug bite area and let it dry. Rinse your skin once the area feels better. You can reapply ACV several hours after the first application.
8. Baking Soda
This is among the popular home remedies to make bed bug bites stop itching. It is also used as a remedy for other insect bites like mosquito bites or flea bites and has the same effect on bed bug bites.
Simply create a paste by mixing baking soda and water and spread the paste on the affected area. Leave it until dry, then rinse the area with water. Moisturize the area as it will become a bit dry due to the mixture. Leaving it dry can make the skin flaky and cause itchiness.
9. Tea Bags
A great alternative to an ice pack is using chilled tea bags. Aside from the numbing effects of the chilled tea bags, the astringent, tannins, and mild anesthetic properties in the tea also help to relieve the discomfort. Repeat the application as needed.
10. Banana Peels
Don’t throw away those banana peels! You can use them to relieve the itchiness and irritation due to bed bug bites. The inside portion of the banana peel has anti-inflammatory properties that you can use as a treatment for bed bug bites by rubbing it on the affected area. Repeat this process a few times daily to relieve the discomfort.
11. Toothpaste
Applying a liberal amount of menthol-infused toothpaste on a bed bugs bite and other insect bites can provide relief from the burning and itching symptoms.
Furthermore, menthol has several healing properties that can help reduce swelling and quickly treat irritation. Additionally, using a dab of toothpaste can also help keep bacteria from entering the wound and prevent further infection.
12. Calamine lotion
Calamine lotion can be a great relief for bed bug bites. It helps to reduce itching and inflammation, as well as dry out rashes and protect the skin from further irritations.
Applying a generous amount of calamine lotion on the affected area can aid in slowing down the infection process, allowing your skin to heal faster and more effectively. Additionally, its antiseptic properties can also help to prevent secondary infections from developing.
13. Mouthwash
Mouthwash contains ethanol, which helps fight swelling and inflammation, meaning it makes a perfect remedy for bed bug bites. Simply dab a cotton pad with some mouthwash onto the bites to stop the itching and calm any further discomfort.
If your home is suffering from a bed bug infestation and you find yourself frequently bitten, make sure to have both mouthwash and cotton on hand to help relieve the symptoms as soon as possible.
To get rid of bed bugs for good, however, you’ll need professional help from an experienced exterminator and contact a pest control company.
There Are Also Over the Counter Creams
If you are wary of using home remedies and want to take a more traditional approach to relieve bed bug bites, there are many over-the-counter creams available in most stores. Always check the directions on the packaging, as they will help ensure you get the best possible results. For those looking for something a bit stronger or that may be better tailored to their individual needs, discussing with a doctor is recommended – they can provide advice on which types of creams would be best for your situation.
1. Anti-itch cream
There are a variety of anti-itch creams that can be bought over the counter, such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, and topical corticosteroids. These creams are generally effective in relieving itching from bed bug bites.
2. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are an effective remedy for itchy bed bug bites. Popular examples include cetirizine, loratadine, diphenhydramine, and fexofenadine – all of which can be purchased over the counter.
3. Steroid cream
These creams contain corticosteroids, which are hormones that reduce inflammation and help suppress the body’s immune system.
Steroid creams come in a variety of strengths and formulations, including lotions, ointments, and foams. They can be applied directly to the affected area once or twice daily for up to two weeks. It is important to follow the instructions on the package carefully as overuse can lead to thinning of the skin or other side effects.
4. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a type of medication that can help to treat infections caused by bacteria, including those resulting from bed bug bites. Common types of antibiotics that can be prescribed for this include tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline), cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin), and penicillin (e.g., amoxicillin).
This is not medical advice, your doctor will be able to advise on the best type of antibiotic to take depending on the severity of your infection and any known allergies you may have to certain medications.
Do Bed Bug Bites Spread If I Scratch My Skin
Scratching the area of a bed bug bite can cause it to spread, as scratching irritates the skin and allows bacteria to enter the wound. It can also worsen itching and inflammation, leading to further irritation and discomfort.
To avoid this, it is best to keep your hands away from bed bug bites and use a topical lotion or ointment containing calamine or hydrocortisone cream to relieve any itching or burning sensations. Additionally, wearing loose clothing around infested areas can help reduce the chances of further spreading.
You can use any of these remedies as your go-to solution when dealing with bed bug bites. Other options you can use are calamine lotion and witch hazel to relieve itching and swelling.
Aside from treating bed bug bites, the ideal solution is to address the bed bug infestation to prevent another set of bites from happening. Act fast and be knowledgeable on how to deal with these critters to eventually stop the bites and discomfort of living with these pests.
Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Seeing the signs of bed bugs, you should immediately learn how to eliminate bed bugs and prevent bed bugs from biting you.
To get rid of bed bugs, start by thoroughly inspecting and cleaning your home, including laundering bedding and vacuuming all surfaces. Use heat to kill bed bugs and consider using insecticides if the infestation is severe.
Bed bug-proof encasements can be used to prevent bed bugs from entering or escaping your mattress and box spring. Declutter your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs. If necessary, seek professional help from a pest control company. Persistence is key to effectively eliminating bed bugs from your home.
