Treatment FAQ

what is the best topical treatment for bed bug bites

by Miss Emilia Sauer Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You can apply an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream or lotion on the bites to relieve the itchiness and swelling. An OTC antihistamine pill or cream called diphenhydramine (brand name: Benadryl) can relieve itchiness as well. It's important to avoid scratching your bites as much as possible.Mar 10, 2021

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1. Ice Pack...

2. Baking Soda...

3. Lemon Juice...

4. Witch Hazel...

5. Aloe Vera Gel...

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What ointment is best for bed bug bites?

  • Ibuprofen (Advil) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). ...
  • Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)is a drug that works as an analgesic, relieving pain by inhibiting pain signals in the brain. ...
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safer than aspirin for children and has many of the same effects as aspirin. ...

How to eliminate bed bug bites with natural remedies?

  • 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. ...
  • Saturate a cotton ball with lemon juice, St. John's Wort, or witch hazel, all of which are natural astringents. ...
  • Apply the gel from an aloe plant to bedbug bites. Use pure 100% aloe vera gel. ...

What is the best natural treatment for bed bugs?

Home Remedies for Bed Bug Bites

  • Ice. Applying an ice pack to a bed bug bite can help relieve swelling and itchiness. ...
  • Baking Soda. Since baking soda is alkaline, it can help neutralize the acid in bed bug bites. ...
  • Cinnamon. ...
  • Calamine Lotion. ...
  • Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  • Toothpaste. ...
  • Witch Hazel. ...
  • Aloe Vera. ...

What are some treatments commonly used for bed bug bites?

  • Small red bumps in a zigzag pattern or a line
  • Small red bumps surrounded by blisters or hives
  • Papular eruptions or inflamed skin areas with raised or flat patches that
  • Small spots of dried blood coming from bites on the skin, bedding or clothing

More items...

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What is the best thing to put on bed bug bites?

Fortunately, bed bug bites don't usually present a serious threat. The best way to treat bed bug bites is to wash them gently with soap and water, then apply an anti-itch cream or lotion (look for hydrocortisone 1%) to your skin while avoiding use on your face.

What ointment is good for bed bugs?

Bedbug bites don't usually need treatment, as they usually disappear on their own within a week or two. You might ease symptoms by using: A skin cream containing hydrocortisone (Cortaid) An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Is antibiotic cream good for bed bug bites?

"There is no definitive treatment for bed bug [bites]. Symptomatic relief for pruritic bites can be obtained using over-the-counter topical antihistamines or topical corticosteroids. Topical, oral, or intravenous antibiotics may be required when secondary bacterial infections occur.

Is Neosporin good for bed bug bites?

If you experience swelling, apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas. Rub in an antiseptic like Neosporin and use a soap like Dial Antibacterial to minimize the risk of infection.

How long do bed bug bites take to heal?

In most cases, bedbug bites get better within 1 to 2 weeks. To relieve symptoms, you can: Apply an over-the-counter or prescription steroid cream to decrease inflammation and itching. Take an oral antihistamine to reduce itching and burning.

Do bed bug bites spread when scratched?

Now, some people worry that bed bug bites will spread along the skin when scratched. Well, the truth is that bed bug bites don't spread as they're non-contagious. However, the welt caused by the bug may swell due to constant scratching –that's where it all ends. Bed bugs are predominantly night feeders.

Is calamine lotion good for bed bug bites?

Calamine lotion: Calamine lotion is ideal when it comes to the treatment of bed bug bites. It relieves itching and also helps to dry rashes and protect the skin. Baking soda and water: Using these ingredients you should make a paste and then apply it directly to the skin.

Does hydrocortisone heal bug bites?

Most bug bites can be treated with a steroid cream. Hydrocortisone cream, applied three times every day, can significantly reduce itching. Similarly, icing the bite for twenty minutes will work to reduce swelling. If itching persists, an allergy medicine, such as Benadryl, may help.

What is the best treatment for bedbug bites?

You might speed your recovery by using: A skin cream containing hydrocortisone (Cortaid) An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) If you develop a skin infection from scratching bedbug bites, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

What to do if you are bitten by bed bugs?

If you suspect that you're being bitten by bedbugs, immediately inspect your home for the insects. Thoroughly examine crevices in walls, mattresses and furniture. You may need to perform your inspection at night when bedbugs are active.

How to tell if you have bed bugs?

Look for these signs: 1 Dark specks. Typically found along mattress seams, these specks are bedbug excrement. 2 Empty exoskeletons. Bedbugs molt five times before becoming adults. These empty skins are pale yellow. 3 Rusty or reddish stains. You may find small smears of blood on your bed sheets where you accidentally crushed a bedbug.

How to get rid of bedbugs in clothes?

Empty the vacuum after each use. Laundering. Washing and drying items in a dryer on a high setting will kill bedbugs in clothing or linens. Freezing.

What temperature do bedbugs die at?

Some professional exterminators use portable devices to raise the temperature of a room to a lethal temperature. All stages of bedbugs can be killed at 122 F (50 C). In some cases, you may have to throw out heavily infested items such as mattresses or couches.

How long can bed bugs live without eating?

Once your symptoms are treated, you must tackle the underlying infestation. This can be difficult because bedbugs hide so well and can live several months without eating. Your best bet may be to hire a professional exterminator, who may use a combination of pesticides and nonchemical treatments.

Do bedbugs need medical treatment?

Most bedbug bites require no medical treatment. Talk to your doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the bites or if you develop a skin infection after scratching the bites.

How to get rid of bed bugs in a box spring?

Treat or have treated by a pest control company, the bed and areas around the bed. Use DIY powders or sprays. You can also heat steam your mattress; the heat will kill the bed bugs. If using professionals, they will know what to do. After treatment use a bed bug proof cover on your mattress and box spring.

What does a bed bug look like?

They can also leave behind blood from a meal that looks like rust spots on bedding or your mattress.

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

If you spot any of these things on your mattress you should check further. Another way to tell if you have bed bugs is from bites. They may appear first as red marks and become itchy bumps, usually on your upper body, or areas exposed during sleep. Some people do mistake them for mosquito bites.

How long does a bug spray last?

The residual effects from spraying can last up to 16 weeks killing eggs and future bugs.

When did bed bugs start to be common?

Bed bugs were common prior to the second half of the 20 th century. Checking for bed bugs and admonishing, “Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” was just part of life. Starting in the 1950’s and lasting until the 1990’s, strong insecticides nearly wiped out bed bugs. They were so rare that most exterminators had no experience with them.

Where do bed bugs live?

Bed bugs usually reside in bedrooms and have humans as their hosts, but not always. They can set up shop anywhere there is a food source, so near the dog’s bed, or even in a basement if there are rodents such as mice. There are many different kinds of bed bugs and they vary in their needs.

Do bed bugs need blood?

There are many different kinds of bed bugs and they vary in their needs. Some need a very specific type of blood to reproduce, like bat bugs that need the blood of bats in order to have babies. Any species of bed bug can survive on human or other mammal blood, they just need a blood meal at least once a week or so.

How to get rid of bedbug bites?

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.

Where do bed bugs bite?

In contrast to mosquito bites, bedbug bites rarely occur on the back of the knees or in the folds of the skin.

How many bites do bed bugs have?

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).

How long does it take for a bedbug bite to show?

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.

How to get rid of a scab?

Wash the bites with soap and water. Wash the area with mild soap and water; use a bar of soap and enough water to wet the surface of your hands. Work the soap in your hands into a thick, soapy lather. Rub the lather over the affected area liberally. Repeat until the entire area is covered. Leave on and do not rinse.

What to do if you see bed bugs in a hotel room?

If you see bedbugs in a hotel room, especially if you're on vacation in a more tropical climate, make sure to clean all your clothes in the hottest water possible before returning home. This will help keep you from bringing bedbugs into your home.

How to stop itching from a dog bite?

These all use products you probably already have on hand. 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.

How to get rid of bed bugs in your apartment?

If you find bed bugs, strip your bed of its sheets and wash and dry them at the hottest temperatures possible, perhaps even more than once. The heat will kill the bugs. Get in touch with an exterminator as well, and follow any guidance they give. If you live in an apartment, let the landlord know.

How do you know if you have a bed bug bite?

Bed Bug Bite Signs and Symptoms. There are a few signs that may lead you to think you have bed bug bites, including the following: Bites that appear after sleeping. Bed bugs are most active in the dark, says Dr. Adam Friedman, professor and chair of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in ...

How to prevent bed bugs while traveling?

With bed bugs commonly associated with travel, there are a few tips you can follow to help prevent bed bug bites while on the road: Don't put your luggage on the bed. If you have your bags on there for a minute or two, you should be safe.

What do bed bugs look like?

These are what the bugs look like to the naked eye. Small droplets of blood on your sheets from where you've been bitten. Don't rule out bed bugs if you sleep with a partner and only one of you is bitten. Bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, which we exhale when breathing.

Can you see a doctor for a bed bug bite?

There are a few other times when you'll want to see a doctor for suspected bed bug bites: You're not entirely sure what's causing the bites. Bed bug bites can also mimic a few other skin conditions, such as hives. You have swollen red skin with hives.

Can you get allergic to bed bugs?

An allergic reaction from bed bug bites is uncommon but still possible, Gonzalez says. The bites are getting itchier, more painful or they are oozing puss. Doctors often will use a prescription-strength steroid cream for bug bites or an antibiotic if there's an infection. [.

Can bed bugs fly?

If a place is deeply infested, they can even be found in sneaky areas, like loose wallpaper and in electrical outlets. They can't fly, but they'll travel 5 to 20 feet from a hiding place to bite a host, Gonzalez says. Don't rule out furniture in public places, such as movie theaters or public transportation, as a source of bed bug bites.

What is the best spray for bed bugs?

If you want a handy, ready-to-go bottle of bed bug spray at your side, Harris’ Pyrethroid Resistant Bed Bug Killer is a great option. This highly effective formula is designed to eradicate even the most stubborn of bed bugs that have become resistant to pesticides containing pyrethroids.

What is bed bug spray?

Bed bug sprays are generally designed to be used in treating the nest site, along with baseboards, furniture, draperies, and other places the insects may be hiding out. Bed bug sprays for mattresses are also popular.

How long does bed bug spray last?

Most bed bug sprays will offer treatment effects for at least 2 weeks, with some products extending protection for as long as 16 weeks. Silica-based bed bug powders can continue working for years as long as the powder remains dry.

How much Ortho Home Defense kills bed bugs?

If you’re looking for a versatile way to attack your bed bug infestation, Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Killer is a top choice. The 1.5 gallons of quick-acting solution will kill bed bugs on contact. It also kills the eggs, meaning you can spray it directly onto nests or into crevices and cracks where the bugs may be lurking.

How to get rid of bed bugs on a budget?

For a budget bed bug solution, try glue boards. While it isn’t a bed bug spray and may not be the fastest way to eradicate the problem, Trapper Max Glue Boards can prevent bites and provide peace of mind. These glue boards can be folded flat, then taped around the legs of bed frames or other furniture.

Can you use pyrethroids on bed bugs?

To get the upper hand on a bed bug infestation, most sprays are formulated with powerful insecticides, like pyrethroids. When the directions for use are carefully followed, these sprays are considered safe for household use but you should always take precautions to protect children and pets. Natural bed bug sprays exist as well using the power of plant oils like geranium oil, but be forewarned that a bed bug infestation can be very hard to eradicate without the help of insecticides.

Can you use Rest Easy Bed Bug Spray on luggage?

Use the Rest Easy Bed Bug Spray to treat mattresses and furniture when you’re traveling. While it isn’t designed to treat a home infestation, it can create a barrier that will keep you from picking up bed bugs when you travel. It is a great idea to use this bed bug spray for luggage also. Final Verdict.

What is the best itch reliever for poison ivy?

Price: $. Hydrocortisone meets chamomile and vitamins A, C, and E in this creamy formula, which is made to soothe itchy skin related to bug bites, poison ivy, and plain dry skin. According to the manufacturer, this is the strongest itch-relief medication you can buy without a prescription.

What is a bug bite thing?

Bug Bite Thing. This “As Seen On TV” device uses suction to draw out the insect saliva or venom, alleviating the itchy, swollen pain they cause. That means that, instead of treating the symptoms alone, the Bug Bite Thing (like Bite Away) actually addresses the cause of those symptoms.

What does summer mean for bug bites?

Summer often means more time outdoors (woo!). But trips to the lake, mountain hikes, barbecues, and stargazing all have one thing in common: bug bites, and the painful, itchy, swollen reactions that come with them. While there are a lot of products that promise to ease your suffering, it’s hard to know what will actually do the trick.

What is the purpose of lidocaine lotion?

The steroid-free formula can be used to soothe minor burns and scrapes, insect bites, and even sunburn. “It soothes and works quickly — the mosquitoes are bad this 2021 camping season!”. — Abellon.

Is oatmeal bath good for sunburn?

Cons: can be dehydrating. This colloidal oatmeal bath treatment is made to soothe the pain and itchiness associated with sunburn, rash, eczema, and, you guessed it, bug bites. Gentle and fragrance free, the bath could be just what you need if you’re dealing with more than an isolated bite or two.

Is hydrocortisone cream good for bug bites?

Pros: strong and effective. Cons: requires a prescription. For a stronger hydrocortisone cream, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor. A 2.5 percent strength topical steroid cream can be used to treat inflammation and itching, which makes it effective if your bug bites get really swo llen.

Is Benadryl gel sticky?

Pros: not sticky. Cons: contains parabens and has to be rubbed in. Benadryl’s gel version offers similar relief from itching and swelling. It’s transparent and lightweight, leaving behind a mild shine but minimal to no stickiness if you apply it sparingly.

How to get rid of bedbug bites?

To soothe bitten areas, it may help to apply one or more of the following: a cold cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. a thin paste of baking soda and water.

What to put on bug bites?

certain types of essential oils. Although more research is needed, some studies suggest that camphor oil, chamomile oil, or some other types of essential oil may help relieve bug bites.

How to treat a baby bed bug bite?

To treat bedbug bites on your baby or child, wash the bites with soap and water. Consider applying a cold compress or calamine lotion.

What are the symptoms of bedbug bites?

When symptoms do develop, the bites tend to be: red and swollen, with a dark spot at the center of each bite. arranged in lines or clusters, with multiple bites grouped together. itchy.

How big are bed bugs?

Bedbugs can be 1 to 7 millimeters long. They’re flat, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown in color. They don’t have wings, so they rely on animals or humans to carry them from one place to another. Although bedbug bites are rarely dangerous, they can be very itchy.

What is the difference between mosquito bites and bed bugs?

Bedbug bites and mosquito bites can both be red, swollen, and itchy. If you have a line of bites that appear in a small area of your body, they’re more likely to be bedbug bites. Bites that appear in no apparent pattern are more likely to be mosquito bites. Both bedbug bites and mosquito bites tend ...

How long does it take for a bed bug bite to show up?

It can sometimes take a few days for symptoms of bed bug bites to develop. Bedbug bites often become noticeably red and swollen. Multiple bites may appear in a line or cluster in a small area of your body. The bites tend to be itchy. They may cause a burning sensation.

What is the best treatment for bed bug bites?

A wide range of empirical treatments, including antibiotics, antihistamines, topic al and oral corticosteroids, and epinephrine have been used for bite reactions with varying results.

Can you use topical steroid cream with antihistaminics?

In more extensive or severe cases, topical steroid creams with or without systemic anti-H1 receptor antihistaminics may be given. Topical antibiotics or systemic antibiotics may be needed in the case of secondary infection.

1. The Overall Best Anti-Itch Treatment

I’m never without a tube of Benadryl’s anti-itch gel in my bag, which is why I was thrilled to hear that it was Dr. Chen’s top recommendation for insect bites. “This cream contains a 2% topical analgesic which numbs the skin and relieves the pain and itchiness associated with bug bites,” Dr. Chen wrote.

2. Another Popular Insect Bite Ointment

Cortizone 10 is one of the best-selling ointments on the market, and according to Dr. Chen, it has some of the best ingredients for soothing various skin irritations, but especially bug bites: “One of the best ingredients in a numbing or soothing cream is hydrocortisone.

3. The Best OTC Medicated Bug Bite Treatment

If you’re searching for a powerful medicated cream you can buy without a prescription, Dr. Chen recommends Gold Bond with Lidocaine. “Lidocaine is an anesthetic and when applied topically it anesthetizes the skin and the tissues surrounding that area,” Dr. Chen wrote.

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