How to Relieve Bedbug Bites
Bedbugs are small parasites that can create quite a problem. Their name is derived from their penchant for hiding in bedding and emerging at night to feed on sleeping occupants. Bites are initially painless, but eventually cause skin irritation that includes welts, redness and itching. These bites are usually grouped in small clusters or straight lines and according to bed-bug.org, it can take several hours for bite symptoms to appear. Although bedbug bites typically heal on their own, you can do a few things to provide some relief from the bites' irritating effects.
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Things You'll Need
- Warm water
- Antiseptic soap
- Towel
- Anti-itch cream (such as Calamine Lotion or Benadryl or Hydrocortisone cream)
- Icepack
- Pain medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen (optional)
Instructions
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Wet the affected area with warm water. Apply soap to the area and wash by hand gently but thoroughly. Rinse the area with warm water until you have removed all of the soap.
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Pat the area dry with a towel. Do not rub the towel or scrub your skin. Apply the anti-itch cream to the area per the cream's instructions. Gently apply the cream; do not scratch or rub harshly.
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Place the icepack on the affected area and leave it in place approximately 15 minutes. Apply the icepack every hour or as frequently as needed to reduce swelling. Take the pain medicine per its instructions if you experience pain due to the bites.
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Tips & Warnings
Scratching bedbug bites will only cause further irritation.
Seek medical treatment if you have bedbug bites appear infected or do not heal.
References
- Photo Credit hand image by Christopher Hall from Fotolia.com
