How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites
Have you ever woken up in the morning and noticed a red, itchy row of small patches and you have no idea where they came from? Well, if you’ve been on a trip and laid out all your things in the room, then you have probably contracted bed bugs and brought them home with you. It is possible that these pests have already settled in your house and are now starting to spread without your knowledge. Furthermore, there’s a large chance that you already have a bed bug infestation.
You see, most people often mistake bed bugs with other insects. This is the same matter with the bites. However, if you know more about bed bugs and how they look, you can confirm that you are really dealing with these pests. If you think you have been bitten, it is best to know how their bites look first and not take it lightly as you would with other insect bites.
Signs You Have Bed Bug Bites
There are obvious signs that those red patches on your arm or neck are bed bug bites. Check for the following signs to confirm that the bites you have are from bed bugs:
· The bites are on your arms, neck, shoulders, legs, hands and face
Since these areas are exposed at night, bed bugs will most likely bite there while you sleep.
· Bites come in threes or form a pattern
Since bed bugs are often grouped together, the bites will often come in groups of three or a zigzag pattern.
· They can either be flat or raised
People have different reactions to bed bug bites. While others simply get flat red dots on their skin, there are those who develop blisters and irritations. Not everyone who gets bitten shows negative reactions right away. Some may develop a reaction a few days after they are bitten.
If you notice that your bites are similar to the signs mentioned above, then bed bugs are most likely infesting your home. Thus, you need to exterminate them and have your bites treated before they leave scars.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites Naturally
If you get bitten by bed bugs, there are several ways to quickly get rid of bed bug bites. You can try the following solutions:
· Clean the bitten areas with soap and water
This will not only prevent an infection but will also relieve the itch from the bites.
· Apply a mixture of baking soda and water
Make a paste from baking soda and water. Apply it on the affected area. Let it dry and sit on the rashes for at least an hour before rinsing it with warm water.
· Use natural astringents
Soak a cotton ball with natural astringents such as witch hazel, lemon juice or St. John’s Worth. Simply dab the cotton ball over the rash to control itching and to dry out the area.
· Pure aloe vera gel
Look for an aloe vera plant and apply its gel on the bed bug bites. It is highly recommended to use the pure gel from the plant to get the most out of its anti-fungal and antibiotic properties. This will also help in preventing a secondary infection that you may develop from constant scratching.
· OTC steroidal anti-itch cream
If you don’t have any of the above-mentioned natural solutions, you can buy an OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream and apply as directed on the label. In the case that the bites seem to get worse, you can talk to your doctor and they may prescribe a corticosteroid cream suitable for your rashes.
In case you develop an allergic reaction or a more serious skin infection, it is best that you consult a doctor. This will prevent your bites from getting worse and alleviate the discomfort associated with them. Asking for expert advice will also help in avoiding using ingredients or products that can possibly worsen the affected areas.
How to Get Rid Of Bed Bug Bite Scars
There are different ways to get rid of the scars due to bed bug bites or prevent the bites from leaving scars. Some of these include:
1. Applying scar removal or lightening ointments or creams as often as possible
As much as possible, be diligent in applying scar removal or lightening ointments or creams. This will hasten the process of reducing the marks left by the bites and will lighten the marks in a shorter period of time.
2. Massage the area
If you would like a more natural way to get rid of the scars and are patient enough to remove them, massaging the area can help. Circular strokes break the scar tissue and make the scars fade eventually.
3. Dermatologist’s recommendations
For a faster process, you can talk to your dermatologist and ask for recommendations. Just keep in mind that such procedures are costly, but will only take a few treatment sessions until you see results.
As you learn how to get rid of bed bug bites, it is also necessary that you look for a treatment that kills bed bugs. Treating bed bugs is the first and most important goal that you should have in mind during a bed bug infestation.
It is important that you learn how serious the infestation is by starting with checking the mattress, box springs, bedding linen, and all the cracks and crevices in your home. Once you have the situation under control, get to know the possible ways the bed bugs have accessed your home and how you can prevent them from re-infesting your home.
