How to Treat Bed Bug Bites: 5 At-home Treatments

Home Remedies for Bed Bug Bites

If you have bed bug bites, there are several home remedies that you can try to alleviate your discomfort. Here are a few options, from Healthline:

1. Wash The Area of Your Bites

The first step in treating your bed bug bites is washing the affected area with soap and water. Healthline notes that this can help to reduce itching and prevent infection. They also recommend that you use cool or lukewarm water, as hot water may make the itching worse.

2. Apply a Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda can help reduce itching and swelling, according to Healthline. You can make a baking soda paste by mixing a fourth cup of baking soda with a few drops of water. Apply this paste thinly over any areas of your skin that have bug bites.

3. Use Over-The-Counter Anti-Itch Creams

There are several over-the-counter creams and ointments that you can also use to relieve itching and discomfort. Healthline recommends looking for products that contain ingredients like hydrocortisone, calamine, or benzocaine.

4. Take Antihistamines Like Benadryl

If you are still bothered by itching, Healthline recommends that you take an antihistamine. These medications work by blocking the release of histamines, which are chemicals that cause itching and inflammation. Benadryl is one brand name antihistamine that is sold over-the-counter, but there are other generic products available as well. Like all medications, you should consult with your doctor before taking them.

5. Use a Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the bites can also help to reduce swelling and itching, according to Healthline. You can use a cold pack or a towel that is soaked in cold water and then rung out.

Preventing Bed Bug Bites

Bed bugs can be a real nuisance, but there are steps you can take to prevent them. Here are some tips to help you avoid bed bug bites from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA):

1. Inspect Your Sleeping Area

Inspect your bed and surrounding area regularly for signs of bed bugs, such as rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses. You may also find tiny dark spots on the seams of the mattress. It is also important to check for bed bugs if you are sleeping in a bed where others have slept—such as at a hotel or homeless shelter. If you see any signs of bed bugs in your home, the AADA recommends taking action right away to stop the infestation from spreading. If you find evidence of bed bugs at a hotel, let the hotel manager know and get a different place to sleep. You should also take precautions in stopping the infestation from coming back home with you.

2. Use Bed Bug-Proof Liners and Luggage Protectors

Consider investing in bed bug-proof liners for your mattress and box spring, as well as luggage protectors for your suitcases if you frequently travel. These products can help prevent bed bugs from infesting your sleeping area and hitchhiking home with you from your travels, according to the AADA.

3. Reducing Clutter at Home

Bed bugs love to hide in clutter, according to the AADA. So reducing clutter at home is another way you can help prevent an infestation. They recommend keeping your living spaces tidy and organized—as well as avoiding storing items under your bed or in other dark, secluded areas where bed bugs might hide.

4. Regular Cleaning and Vacuuming at Home

Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help remove bed bugs and their eggs from your home, according to the AADA. They recommend vacuuming your mattress, box spring, and surrounding area regularly and washing your bedding and linens in hot water.

5. Take Precautions With Second-Hand Furniture

Use extra caution when bringing second-hand furniture into your home, as bed bugs can easily hide in upholstered furniture, mattresses, and box springs. If you are bringing second-hand furniture into your home, inspect it carefully for signs of bed bugs first and clean it if you can.

6. Use Travel Precautions

When traveling, the AADA recommends that you inspect your hotel room for signs of bed bugs, such as blood spots on the sheets or mattress, or tiny black dots on the seams of the mattress. Keep your luggage off the floor and away from the bed until you can check for signs of bed bugs. You should also consider using luggage protectors to prevent bed bugs from hitchhiking home with you, according to the AADA.

When to Seek Urgent Care for Bed Bug Bites

If you experience any of the following symptoms after a bed bug bite, Healthline recommends getting medical attention as soon as possible:

Signs of an Allergic Reaction

One reason you may need to get medical care is if you begin experiencing signs of an allergic reaction. According to Healthline, these include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe itching or hives all over your body

Signs of Infection from Scratching

Bed bug bites usually cause itching, which can cause scratches that can become infected. Healthline notes that signs of infection include:

• Increased pain, swelling, or redness around the bite
• Pus or other drainage from the bite
• Fever or chills

What to Remember About Treating Bed Bug Bites

To recap, bed bug bites can be uncomfortable and itchy, but they are usually not life-threatening. Healthline notes that bed bug bites usually heal on their own within a few days. But there are several things you can do to help promote healing and stay comfortable while healing. These include:

• Wash the area of your bug bites with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
• Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the bite to reduce swelling and itching.
• Use over-the-counter creams and ointments, such as hydrocortisone or calamine lotion, to relieve itching and inflammation.
• Take an antihistamine (with a doctor’s approval), such as Benadryl, to reduce itching.
• Avoid excessively scratching the bite to prevent infection and scarring.
• Stay vigilant about checking for bed bugs and using precautions when traveling.

Remember that while these home remedies can provide relief, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience a severe allergic reaction or if you are showing signs of an infection.