Introduction: How to Treat Bed Bug Bites | Treating Bites From Bugs and Insects

By ChippTips
About: Hey, my name is Chipp. I am a jack of all trades and how-to guru. I enjoy blogging about health, fitness, pest control and product reviews. I consider myself the luckiest person on Earth. I don’t drive a fancy…

Howdy Friends! I put together some fantastic information on how to treat bed bug bites. If you are dealing with an infestation and the bites are driving you bonkers, here are some steps you can take for some much needed relief. Bed bug bites rarely require medical treatment. However, there are some very important things you should know if you are dealing with an insect infestations.

Step 1: What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

So what do these bite marks look like? To be quite honest, that is a difficult question to answer! Everyone's skin reacts differently. Some people have no reaction at all. Bite marks can also look very similar to that of a spider or mosquito. Having bites does not always mean you have infestation. Check out my Instructable on how to detect bed bugs so you can be certain that you are treating the correct problem.

Step 2: Are Bed Bug Bites Dangerous?

Knowing how to treat a bed bug bite properly is very important for a couple of different reasons. These insidious insects are known to carry over 30 different pathogens. These include (but are not limited to) viruses, parasitic worms and bacteria. However, take a deep breath and relax. Researchers have confirmed that these human pathogens cannot be transmitted to us.

Despite what you may have heard, bed bugs do not transmit MRSA either. There have been reports of MRSA infections associated with these insect bites. These reports arise due to people not knowing how to treat a bed bug bite properly. Reports of this nature arise from individuals who already have MRSA on their skin (but do not know it). When they itch and scrape the bite marks, it gives the MRSA a gateway into the body.

That gives us a good idea of how dangerous it is if you don't know how to treat bed bug bites properly. This is not a problem that you can just ignore. Doctors say that long term exposure to bites can cause sleeplessness, nervousness and frequent agitation. Also, as we discussed with the MRSA, secondary infections are always a concern. Signs of a secondary reaction include warmth, fever, excessive swelling, anemia or anaphylactic reactions. Some of these are rare but if you develop any of them, you should contact your physician immediately. You doctor will know how to safely treat each of these symptoms.

Step 3: Bed Bug Bite Treatment

1: Wash the bitten area for a few minutes with antiseptic soap. Rinse with cold water.

2: Soothe the bites and relieve itching with any of these home remedies:

  • Ice or an Ice Pack
  • Hot Wash Cloth
  • Coconut oil
  • Lavender Oil
  • Mint
  • Fresh Garlic
  • Red Pepper
  • Lemon Juice
  • Witch Hazel
  • Rubbing Alcohol

3: Further Treatment and Sanitation:

  • Make a solution of alka-seltzer and and dab the wounds with a cotton ball Warm bath with baking soda
  • Mix cornstarch and water into a thick paste and apply it to the wounds. This will rid the affected areas of toxins.
  • Apply Aloe Vera gel (for antibiotic properties)

4: Treating Bed Bug Bites With Over The Counter Products:

If you are experiencing severe itching, use a topical steroid cream or an oral antihistamine. We want to avoid itching at all costs.

To reduce inflammation, itching and to promote healing:
  • Cortisone cream
  • calamine lotion

To relieve swelling:
  • Benadryl
  • Ibuprofen

Pain Relief:
  • Topical anesthetics

Treatment of Allergic Reactions
  • Zyrtec
  • Claritin

Step 4: Take the Next Step:

It is no secret that bed bugs bites are no fun to deal with. If you need additional tips on how to get rid of bed bugs yourself, here is a free guide with step-by-step directions. Good luck with treating your bites and I hope you find relief very soon!