Nothing is more infuriating than waking up to itchy red bites without any clue why it is happening. If you have experienced this, you are probably battling bed bug infestation. These little parasitic insects hide in nooks and corners of your bed, biting you 3 to 8 times for a full blood meal. The bed bug bites cause skin irritation due to the human body’s natural immune response. Here, we will discuss some common symptoms and effective treatment options for bed bug bites.
What are Bed Bugs and How They Look Like?
Adult bed bugs are small, reddish-brown in appearance and approximate 3/16 to 1/4 inch long. They more commonly hide in mattresses, bed frames, baseboards, furniture seams, etc. These nocturnal insects generally bite humans at night when they sleep as they are attracted to carbon monoxide and body heat. The bed bug injects saliva into the skin of the host while biting to feed on blood and this saliva contains allergens with more than 40 infectious agents. It can trigger an immune response, resulting in the characteristic itching or redness.
Common Bed Bug Bite Symptoms
Bed bug bite marks can be seen as tiny, raised, reddened welts that are itchy. They tend to appear in clusters or lines because several bed bugs often feed at the same location. Swelling and inflammation can occur as the body reacts to a foreign substance, such as the bed bug’s saliva, so it looks warm and puffy. There may also be rashes or fluid-filled blisters for some, which may easily cause irritation. For some people, symptoms are said to appear a few days or weeks after getting the bites, delayed because of the slow immune system reaction to the allergens in the saliva. In some cases, an individual may experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) from bed bug bites, which can be seen as hives or swelling beyond the bite site. In such acute cases, a person may experience difficulty in breathing, wheezing, or throat tightening. If any of these signs appear, consult with the doctor.
The bed bug bites may also lead to flare-ups or even new eczema outbreaks in some people. In addition, the effects could be long-term in that scarring or pigmentation changes arise due to the bed bugs’ bites, especially for those with sensitive skin. These discolourations take several months before they fade away, becoming very painful.
Risk of Infection Due to Bed Bug Bites
Scratching bed bug bites might rupture the skin and provide a convenient port for bacteria to invade the skin, raising the risk of acquiring secondary infections. Infected bites are usually painful, sometimes producing pus, and the affected area becomes warm and may present with disseminated redness. If signs of infection begin to arise, then it is essential to visit a health centre for proper treatment. The infection is usually addressed by properly cleaning the site and using antibiotic ointment. More severe infected bed bug bite treatments require oral antibiotics. To prevent infections, avoid scratching the site and keep it clean using antiseptic solutions.
Psychological Effects of Bed Bug Bites
Infestation by bed bugs can also lead to psychosomatic anxiety or fear of getting bitten, and stress caused by it usually manifests in disturbed sleep, leading to insomnia. This can last even after the infestation is over due to the fear of re-infestation. Constant exposure to bed bugs inside the house builds more tension and anxiety, thus leaving one feeling tired and even emotionally drained. Prolonged exposure to bed bugs can cause severe impacts on wellness, such as depression, increased anxiety, or obsessive behaviours regarding cleanliness and pest control.
Bed Bug Bite Treatments
While the bites may not be dangerous, they can become infectious or uncomfortable for an extended period unless treated. Here are some tips on how to cure bed bug bites:
- Wash the area using soap and water to prevent infection.
- Use anti-itch creams, hydrocortisone or calamine lotion on the itching and swelling.
- Take oral antihistamines such as Benadryl in allergic reactions and swelling cases.
- Soak a cloth in cool water and apply ice packs to the area to try to reduce swelling and numb that area.
- Avoid scratching as much as possible to prevent irritation of skin and infection.
- Apply antibiotic ointment if an infection is suspected; visit a doctor if symptoms worsen
- Seek immediate medical attention if difficulty in breathing or itching leads to the spreading of red, itchy welts
- Maintain control of bed bugs to prevent further bites.
Conclusion
Bed bug bites can result in various reactions ranging from relatively minor itching to severe allergic reactions. They are not disease transmitters, but the discomfort caused, and the potential for secondary infection mean their bites cannot be ignored. Knowing bed bug bite symptoms and the best course of treatment helps you to take care of yourself and tackle bed bug problems with ease. However, before you apply any of the recommended treatment options, make sure you consult with the doctor.
