Bed bug bites

What is a bed bug?

Bed bugs are small insects that are from the genus Cimex that feed on blood, generally during the night. The bed bug bites can lead to a number of health effects which include skin rashes, psychological impacts and allergic symptoms. Bed bug bites can also cause skin changes that go from having small areas of redness on the body to prominent blisters.

How to identify a bed bug bite:

When identifying bed bug bites you may find blood spots on your bed sheets, bites and even bed bug excrement and cast skin too. Bed bug bites will be commonly found on areas of the body that are exposed whilst you are sleeping, such as the hands, neck, face, shoulders, legs, and arms. Though this is not always the case for everyone, bed bug bites are usually in a line or in a group. The bed bug bites are usually small, flat or raised areas that become sore, itchy, red and prominently blistered. Bed bug bites don’t always appear on the skin straight away they can take a few days to develop and show up.

Bed bug bite symptoms:

The symptoms of a bed bug bite will vary from person to person and not everyone will experience every symptom. Some people may experience itchy skin, red welts or swelling in the skin the day after they are bitten by the bed bug. And in some cases, the bite may not even be noticed as there will be no mark left.

How to treat bed bug bites:

Generally, bed bug bites will start to get better within 1 to 2 weeks but to help with the symptoms there are things you can do. You can use an over-the-counter steroid cream that will help with the itchiness and inflammation or you can take oral antihistamine that will also help with the itching and burning.

Some at-home remedies that will help with the bed bug bites are by using a cold cloth or ice pack that is wrapped in a towel as this will help with the swelling as well as reduce the itchiness. Or you can apply a thin paste made from baking soda and water and put that over the bed bug bites this will also do the same thing and will help with the swelling and itchiness too.

How to prevent bed bug bites:

There are things you can do and steps you can put into place that will help you prevent bed bugs from infesting your home and bed. Travellers who are fearful of bed shoulda decontaminate all of their luggage using methods such as brushing, vacuuming, heating or washing. Always keep your clothes away from the ground when staying in hotel rooms or anywhere new and you can also try storing your clothes in vacuum bags whilst you are travelling to protect them and keep them clean. Lastly, you should examine any second-hand or preloved furniture or items you bring into your home.