How to Treat Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs can almost always be treated right at home. For proper healing, it’s important to not itch them. In addition, there are several over-the-counter treatments you can use to ease any discomfort.
To treat bed bug bites properly, remember the following tips:
- Bites will heal in one to two week’s time when not irritated.
- If necessary, you may use OTC pain relievers to relieve swelling, pain, and itching.
- Consider applying hydrocortisone to relieve any itchiness or swelling.
3 Ways to Treat Bed Bug Bites
The key to a quick recovery from bed bug bites is letting them heal properly. When a bite appears, wash the area with water and mild soap. If you are itching, consider leaving the soap on the site of the bites without rinsing to ease the itchiness. Washing your bites can also work to prevent possible secondary skin infections.
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Three things you can use to aid in the healing process are:
- Following manufacturer’s instructions, apply an anti-itch cream that contains hydrocortisone.
- Calamine lotion on bites can also work to relieve itching. This also protects the skin in the healing process.
- If needed, you can take OTC pain relievers to help with pain related to the bite. Oral antihistamines can also help control any allergic reaction (however, please proceed only with permission from your doctor).
When do Bed Bug Bites Heal?
If you allow your bites to heal without irritation (scratching), bites will go away in one to two weeks. As tempting as it may be, it’s important to never scratch at the bites. Scratching can lengthen the healing process and make them ten times worse! For people that are more sensitive to insect bites, healing may take a little bit longer. In any case, bites will go away in time if left to heal properly.
Do You Need a Doctor for Bed Bug Bites?
In almost every case, bed bug bites can heal right in the comfort of your home. If symptoms persist or get noticeably worse, always consult a medical professional. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment for dealing with bed bug bites.
