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How To Treat A Bed Bug Bite

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Nothing is more distressing to a parent than seeing her children either hurt or injured. This is why parents try to protect their kids from all types of danger, and this includes the threats that insects bring. An example is the bed bug, which is one of the most infamous creatures today because infestations are so widespread. These tiny insects are not choosy too. They are equally comfortable in either squalid or posh environments. Today, you really shouldn’t be surprised in case you find yourself facing a bed bug problem.

In the past and even now, there’s a stigma attached to having an infestation. If you have bed bugs, people will immediately conclude that you’re a bad housekeeper. This isn’t necessarily so as one of the main reasons why infestations are so extensive is travel. So, if you and your family often go on trips abroad, then you might carry bugs home with you. Once there’s an infestation, the bugs will readily feast on you or your kids.

Identifying a Bed Bug Bite

One way to tell that you might have a bed bug infestation is if you, your partner, or one of your kids complain of itchy rashes. Confirm your suspicion by properly identifying a bed bug bite, which often appears like a mosquito bite. The element that gives it away is that the bites of bed bugs often have a pattern. You’ll find around three to four bite marks that are in a row. If you can’t make it out on your own, go to a clinic or hospital to have the bite checked. It’s really important to do this because any delays will only give the bugs more time to become more established in your property.

Treating a Bite

Individuals have varied reactions to bed bug bites. Some just feel mild irritation, while others experience severe itchiness. Then, there are also a few who are allergic to bed bug bites. Allergies are often caused by the anti-coagulant that the bug injects into a victim’s bloodstream so that it can feed easily and at a more leisurely pace.

What you should remember when treating bed bug bites is that if a victim experiences difficulty breathing, generalized swelling, and hives, as well as palpitations, bring him to a hospital as soon as possible. This could be an anaphylactic reaction, and he’ll require emergency care.

Here are also a few tips on how to treat bed bug bites at home.

1. Wash the affected area with mild soap and warm water. Use a towel to pat the area dry. Avoid rubbing or scratching as this usually just exacerbates the itchiness.

2. Use over-the-counter medications to soothe itchiness or reduce redness and swelling. Creams containing hydrocortisone are good options. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how to use the product. For example, hydrocortisone creams are thinly applied to the affected site. Calamine lotion is another wonderful alternative as this helps in drying the rash. You can also take oral antihistamines that aid in reducing itchiness and swelling.

3. Create home remedies to soothe the injured site. You can readily make concoctions from ingredients that could already be in your pantry. For example, baking soda mixed with some water can be used to soothe itchiness. Lemon juice and other natural astringents can be used to relieve the irritation.