How to Treat Bed Bug Bites

A big bite is usually accompanied by mild symptoms such as small red bumps and itchiness. You can alleviate these symptoms with some over-the counter medicines or even all-natural remedies. For proper healing, do your best not to itch them. 

Should symptoms persist or progress in severity, connect with your medical professional. To eliminate your bed bug infestation, consider a treatment for your home from a professional pest control company like Griffin Pest Solutions. 

What Helps Treat Bed Bug Bites?

Treating a bed bug bite appropriately will help with healing and with reducing the symptoms. When you discover a bite, wash the affected area with water and a mild soap. Leaving the soap on the bitten area rather than washing it off may help with itch relief. Cleaning the area will also deter secondary skin infections. 

After you have washed, you can apply a different number of treatments: 

1. Apply anti-itch cream with the ingredient hydrocortisone.
2. Apply calamine lotion to relieve itching and protect the skin as it heals. 
3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if you have noticeable pain from the bite. An oral antihistamine can also control any allergic reaction. 

How Long Does it Take for Bed Bug Bites to Heal?

A bed bug bite should fully heal in a week or two if it is left to heal properly. While easier said than done, refraining from scratching is one of the best ways to ensure fast healing. Scratching can make the healing process take longer and worsen your symptoms. It is possible for the natural healing process to take longer for individuals with more sensitive skin, but typically no more than a month. 

When to See a Doctor 

If your bed bug bites are not healing naturally and/or are progressing in severity, you should reach out to your doctor. There are rare cases in which these bites can cause allergic reactions or welts. It is also possible for secondary skin infections to take place. Any time your bites go beyond a mild reaction, help from a medical professional is recommended. 

All-Natural Bed Bug Bite Remedies

There are several all-natural remedies that you can apply if you choose not to or do not have access to anti-itch cream: 

1. Witch hazel and lemon juice are natural astringents. Soak a cotton ball in either and apply it to the bites.
2. Use 100% pure aloe vera gel. This can prevent secondary skin infections and relieve itching.
3. Create a thick paste with baking soda and water. Apply a heavy coat to the bites, let dry for an hour or more, and wash off with warm water.
4. The menthol contained in toothpaste works well as an anti-itch remedy.

Bed Bug Bite Treatment

Enlisting the help from a bed bug exterminator can help eliminate your infestation so you can avoid bites in the future!