Treatment for Bedbug Bites

Bedbugs are small, parasitic insects active during the night that commonly infest bed linens. When a bedbug bites, it injects an anticoagulant into the bloodstream that produces an itchy, red rash.

Function

Bedbug bites typically heal on their own without medication, so common treatments for bedbug bites aim to reduce the itching associated with the condition. This is normally achieved by medications that suppress the immune system's response to the bites, which is what produces the itching.

Types of Medications

The most common types of medications used to treat bedbug bites are topical creams that contain cortisone and oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine. Severe reactions may require oral corticosteroid medications.

Considerations

If you develop severe red welts or have other signs such as a fever, the bedbug bites may be infected. In such cases, doctors prescribe oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

Time Frame

Most bedbug bites heal within two weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Prevention

An important part of treatment for bedbug bites is preventing further attacks by vacuuming your home daily and freezing your sweeper bags for 24 hours before throwing them away. Any clothes or linens that you have come in contact with should also be frozen for 24 hours or washed in water that is at least 97 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Bedbugs