Bedbugs do, however, have a unique bite pattern. Although some bites may appear alone, most bites occur in a row of three to five bites (termed “breakfast, lunch, and dinner”) or in a cluster of red bumps (a rash called bedbug dermatitis). The bites often appear in a zig-zag formation, but may appear in a straight line if the bugs bite you in the morning. Bites tend to occur on exposed areas of the body. Studies show that they have a preference of biting the skin around the eyelids, and such areas as the neck, face, feet, and arms. In contrast to mosquito bites, bedbug bites rarely occur on the back of the knees or in the folds of the skin. The bumps or the rash typically resolve themselves within one to two weeks. However, although an individual bite or set of bites may heal, if you have not eradicated the problem through pest extermination, then you may continue to get bitten. As long as there are bedbugs, they will try to get at you.
Bedbug bites can have a long incubation period. Visible signs of the bite (a red, itchy bump) can appear up to 10 days after you were initially bitten.
Inspect your mattress, box spring, bed frames, including the lining and seams. Look for sleeping adult bedbugs, carcasses, empty skins (their exoskeletons), and feces (this will look like little black spots or smudges). Check your sheets, pillowcases, and pillows as well. It is very difficult to see and catch a living bedbug. Adult bedbugs are tiny reddish-brown insects with broad, oval-shaped bodies. They are very good at hiding. However, finding adult bedbugs is the only way to confirm that a bedbug is what bit you. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Bedbug infestations can be stressful. Try not to worry because this is a common, treatable problem.
If you’re going to the doctor, keep a close record of anything you’ve done to treat the bites, including what you’ve put on them and how often. [4] X Expert Source Corey Fish, MDPediatrician & Chief Medical Officer, BraveCare Expert Interview. 1 April 2020. Your doctor may prescribe a topical corticosteroid ointment to help relieve itching and inflammation. These ointments are stronger than the ones you can buy over the counter.
The pest control professional will know what to look for and can also then treat your home to remove the bedbugs and prevent future bites from occurring. Home foggers and bug sprays will not usually kill a bedbug infestation. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source To make sure you eradicate bedbugs from your home, go with a professional exterminator.
Washing the bites with soapy water can help alleviate itchiness and prevent a skin infection.
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Slowly add small amounts of water to the baking soda and stir until you have a thick paste. Apply a thick coat of the paste to your bedbug bites. Allow the paste to dry and stay on the rash for an hour or more before washing it off with warm water. Saturate a cotton ball with lemon juice, St. John’s Wort, or witch hazel, all of which are natural astringents. Dab at the rash with the cotton ball to help dry it out and control the itch. Apply the gel from an aloe plant to bedbug bites. Use pure 100% aloe vera gel. Aloe contains both antibiotic and anti-fungal properties, which can help prevent a secondary infection due to scratching.
Follow the package’s directions to apply the cream correctly. The cream is very mild and does not cause side effects if used for a short period of time, like a week. You can also get a stronger corticosteroid cream with a doctor’s prescription.
Follow package instructions for proper dosages. Be aware that Benadryl can cause drowsiness and you should avoid driving while taking it. You could also try an OTC antihistamine cream that you apply topically to the affected area.
Ibuprofen (Advil) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. It also reduces hormones that trigger fever. Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is a drug that works as an analgesic, relieving pain by inhibiting pain signals in the brain. It is also an antipyretic, a drug that reduces fever. Do not give to children, however. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safer than aspirin for children and has many of the same effects as aspirin. It is not an NSAID, however, and will not reduce inflammation.
Multiple bites Blisters Signs of skin infection (tenderness or oozing discharge) An allergic skin reaction (reddened, swollen skin or hives). Bedbug bites, like all insect bites, can become infected through excessive scratching, as underneath the fingernails lies a host of bacterial pathogens. If your bites become infected, they will appear red and swollen, feel tender, and may drain pus. Typically there will not be a fever unless a substantial area of the skin is involved. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must seek medical attention as it points to a secondary infection. Your physician may prescribe antibiotic therapy or, if the infection is mild, an antiseptic medication that you can buy without a prescription. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source [15] X Research source GJ Goddard, R DeShazo, Bed Bugs and Clinical Consequences of their Bites, Journal of American Medical Association 2009, April 1 301 (13) 1358-1366 If you experience a severe allergic reaction, your doctor may want to give you an injection of an antihistamine, corticosteroid, or epinephrine (adrenaline). [16] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source [17] X Research source
