Are bed bugs itchy?

What is a bed bug?

Bed bugs are insects that feed on your blood this usually happens at night whilst you are sleeping. The bit of a bed bug has short term affects such as skin rashes, psychological affects, and allergies. Bed bites can cause skin variations such as redness developing in small areas around the body or even severe weltering blisters which are painful and not at all a fun experience.

Why do bed bugs make you feel itchy?

Bed bug bites are usually itchy this is because of bed bugs saliva, which can cause a histamine reaction. Histamine reactions differ from adults and children, affecting some more severely than others, some have a very small reaction or even nothing at all. There is also risk of infection if you scratch at the bites. 

What to look out for when identifying bed bugs:

• Bites along the skin on areas that are visible when you are sleeping, such as the face, neck, and arms
• Spots of blood on your bedding from the bed bug bites or from crushing a bed bug 
• Small brown spots of excrement on bedding and furniture 

How to treat bed bug bits 

Bed bug bites generally clear up on their own in a week or so. However, there are thing you can do such as:

• Putting something cool, like a clean damp cloth on the affected area to help with itching and if there is any swelling
• Keeping the affected area clean
• Avoid scratching the bites so you do not get an infection 

You can also speak to a pharmacist regarding:

• Using a mild steroid cream such as a hydrocortisone cream to help soothe the bed bug bites
• Antihistamines may also help the bites if they are feeling very itchy and affects your ability to sleep