Bedbug bites cause a lot of trouble to humans. They itch, cause severe itching and can provoke an allergic reaction. Let's look at what the bites of domestic bloodsuckers look like, what symptoms appear, and how to get rid of bedbug bites on the body.
There is a misconception that these insects only appear in houses with complete unsanitary conditions. In fact, no one is safe from parasite invasion. For bedbugs, the condition of the apartment does not matter, the main thing is that there is a food source - a person.
Treatment options
There are the following methods for treating bedbug bites:
- Washing with soap or soda solution;
- Applying ice;
- Processing with parsley or fresh potatoes;
- Afloderm will help relieve itching;
- Vietnamese star;
- Alcohol tincture of propolis;
- Menovazin;
- Diphenhydramine and Diazolin.
Of course, you need to have anti-insect bite remedies in your first aid kit. However, you should not prescribe treatment yourself, as this is a dangerous undertaking. If you find bed bug bites, you should immediately consult a doctor. Consultation with a specialist is necessary if the bites do not go away for a long time. You should not delay visiting your doctor in the following cases:
- The presence of multiple bites;
- The appearance of blisters;
- Discharge on the skin;
- Increased sensitivity;
- Swelling and rash;
- The appearance of allergic reactions.
Parasite bites can cause various infections if you constantly scratch them. This occurs as a result of the interaction of blood and pathogenic bacteria that are located under the nails. Therefore, when an infection gets inside the bite, redness and further inflammation occur. As a result, pus may appear on the skin.
If the infection affects a large area of the body, the temperature may rise. In this case, you should immediately seek help from a specialist. The doctor will prescribe a course of treatment with antibiotics or antiseptic drugs.
For acute reactions, the doctor will give an injection of adrenaline, corticosteroid or other substances on the spot. In most cases, insect bites go away on their own, without additional intervention. Therefore, the health threat from bedbugs is negligible. First of all, you should get rid of the source of infection.
Prevention measures
The marks left on the body by bed bug bites are usually easy to get rid of. However, if no measures are taken to exterminate the parasites, the bites will appear again and again. Therefore, the only effective measure to prevent the appearance of new bites is the complete extermination of parasites in the house.
Advice! If bed bugs appear in a multi-storey building, it is important to disinfest the premises in all apartments at the same time. Otherwise, bedbugs will soon reappear, crawling from neighboring infested apartments.
Fighting methods
To ensure that bed bugs no longer bother the residents of the house, you can use different methods of controlling parasites:
- The mechanical method is the destruction of insects using an ordinary household slipper (you can bring in equipment to help and use a vacuum cleaner). The method is simple, cheap, environmentally friendly, but, unfortunately, ineffective. Bedbugs are able to cleverly hide in the cracks of furniture and walls, and it will be impossible to remove them from there even with the help of a vacuum cleaner. However, the mechanical method can be used in the process of preparing premises for disinfestation in order to reduce the number of parasites;
- Thermal method or fighting bedbugs using high or low temperatures. The method is flawless from an environmental point of view and quite simple. You just need to treat the places where parasites accumulate with a stream of steam from a steam generator or expose the infected items to the cold. However, this method cannot always be used. So, not all furniture can withstand treatment with a steam generator, and not all things can be taken out into the cold. This method can be used as an additional method for processing bedding and other things that will not deteriorate after exposure to steam or frost;
- The method is chemical, that is, the use of insecticides - poisons for insects. Only this method allows you to get rid of parasites as efficiently and quickly as possible. When treating premises, you should choose special products designed to exterminate bedbugs, rather than broad-spectrum preparations designed to combat different types of insects. The drugs are prepared according to the instructions and applied to contaminated surfaces. It is important to remove all household members and pets from their home before processing. And the person who performs pest control must use protective equipment - gloves, a respirator, and special clothing.
So, having discovered lesions on the skin that resemble bedbug bites (you can see how they look in the photo), measures should be taken immediately. When deciding how to get rid of bedbug bites, the main attention should be paid to preventing the appearance of new skin damage by parasites. To do this, you will need to carry out disinfestation of the premises.
How to detect home bed bug bites
Bed bugs make several bites in order to get enough. The bite site is a reddish spot with a black dot in the center. As a rule, bites have the shape of a track, and the distance between them reaches 2 centimeters. Despite the itching that occurs, the spots should not be scratched. Otherwise, microscopic wounds may form. Since bedbugs have an excellent sense of smell, they can smell blood well. As a result, bedbugs will act on the body even more actively. The degree of swelling and itching may differ between people, as each body is different. Therefore, some may experience large red bumps, while others may develop barely noticeable marks on the surface of the skin. People with sensitive skin may notice bites the next day. Others may find out about their appearance several weeks later.
At the first sign of insects, you need to inspect the bedding. Parasites may leave small stains of blood after bites. You should move the furniture and carefully inspect the baseboards. Bedbugs leave behind traces of their vital activity. Therefore, if droppings in the form of black dots are detected, immediate measures should be taken to eliminate them.
During the daytime, you should lift the mattress and inspect it carefully. It is a favorite location for parasites. The period of insect activity begins after 2 am. Therefore, at this time you need to suddenly turn on the light. They can be clearly seen on light-colored bedding.
Main diagnostic signs
To learn to distinguish bedbug bites from other skin rashes, it is not enough to look at a photo; you also need to know the basic diagnostic signs:
• Characteristic arrangement of “paths”. In order for a bug to get enough, it needs to make several bites . The insect pierces the skin with its proboscis, drinks about 1 ml of blood, then crawls to the next area and punctures again. Thus, the parasite makes from 3 to 7 bites , which are arranged in a “chain” or “path”.
• Time of appearance. Bedbugs are insects whose peak activity occurs at night. Usually, victims of bedbugs sleep and do not notice the very moment when the insects bite. Their traces are usually discovered the next morning.
• Localization. Bedbugs choose places with the thinnest skin to bite, but they are not attracted to places on the body that are covered with hair. Most often, bites are localized on areas of the body not covered by clothing - on the face, neck, arms, legs. However, do not forget about the ability of parasites to get under clothes. Thanks to this ability, bites can appear on the stomach, back and buttocks.
How dangerous are bedbug bites and how long do they last?
It is impossible to completely insure yourself against insect bites. The appearance of insects is possible both in new buildings and in unfavorable apartments. The increase in bloodsuckers has especially increased recently. A characteristic symptom of a bite is itchy irritation on the surface of the skin. You should know that bites from old individuals do not cause consequences. While bites from young offspring cause an immediate irritating skin reaction. This is because they do not release an anesthetic that neutralizes toxins.
The skin reaction to the bites goes away after a day. An allergy caused by bites can last about 3 days. To relieve pain, you need to use antihistamines: alcohol or ice. If the method does not help, you need to contact a dermatologist for effective treatment. He will prescribe a course of treatment, which may include antibiotics.
Symptoms of bites
After a bedbug bite, in most cases, manifestations appear on the skin as a result of the bite. Depending on the sensitivity of the skin and body, a person's symptoms can be completely different. For example, manifestations on the skin of a child will be obvious and strong, but in adults the consequences on the skin may be insignificant. Typically, the following symptoms may appear at the site of an insect bite:
- severe burning sensation;
- swelling and swelling in the puncture area;
- painful and unpleasant sensations;
- the appearance of red spots;
- blood stains on bed linen, as well as bedbug droppings.
Immediately after detecting symptoms of a bedbug infestation, appropriate measures must be taken . It is necessary not only to take measures to eliminate the consequences of an insect bite, but also to systematically monitor hygiene. First, you need to establish a nest of bedbugs, then, using special means, destroy harmful insects that cause diseases.
How and with what to treat bites?
If massive bedbug bites lead a person to hysterical states, you need to take a sedative pill. After the person has come to his senses, the treatment process should begin. The skin should be thoroughly washed under warm water using laundry soap. This procedure will relieve severe itching. After this, you need to apply a piece of ice to the bite site. It will relieve swelling and speed up the healing process.
Also, regular table vinegar can help. To do this, you need to moisten gauze or a clean rag with it. The affected area must be thoroughly wiped. You can use a compress of green or black tea. They will relieve swelling and eliminate itching on the skin. An effective remedy is medical alcohol. It should be applied to a cotton swab and treated the affected areas on the body. The burning sensation that occurs is normal, so you should not be afraid of it. Wounds can be treated with medicinal herbs such as propolis or calendula. In the absence of alcohol, you can use a soda solution. To prepare it you will need a glass of water and 2 tablespoons of soda. You need to moisten the affected area 2 times a day.
The listed methods allow you to provide first aid using improvised means. Further treatment should include the use of serious medications. Among them are the following:
- Fenistil-gel . The product helps to instantly relieve itching and burning. The ointment is especially effective for multiple bedbug bites.
- Psilo-balm. The drug allows you to quickly get rid of itching sensations and relieves unpleasant symptoms on the second day.
- Bepanten . Baby cream ensures rapid healing and eliminates swelling of the skin.
- Epidel. One of the most effective remedies that helps fight allergic reactions.
- Afloderm . The product has anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties.
- Ointment "Star " It is based on natural plant extracts and essential oils, therefore it quickly and effectively relieves swelling and burning on the skin.
How to relieve itching?
Most often, the problem arises of how to smear bedbug bites so that they don’t itch. After all, itching is the most common consequence of an attack by these insects. And sometimes it is so unbearable that when a person scratches the bites, wounds appear that can become infected. Therefore, it is best to use special remedies immediately after the first symptoms appear. Good for relieving itching:
- ammonia;
- Afloderm ointment;
- gel "Fenistil";
- "Psilo-balm";
- ointment "Rescuer";
- cream "Baneotsin".
Treatment of bedbug bites in adults
In adults, in exceptional cases, a rash and other allergic reactions may appear. This requires alternative treatment, which must be prescribed by a doctor. In order to get rid of emerging signs of allergies, you can use the following medications:
- Ketanov.
- Ibuprofen;
- Segan;
- Aspirin;
Multiple and severe bites should be treated with antihistamines. They allow you to block the reaction of the nervous system. However, the use of drugs must be approved by a specialist. In advanced cases of allergic reactions due to bedbug bites, glucocorticosteroids can be used. These medications help block the allergen that causes excitement when bitten. Such drugs are addictive, so they should not be used frequently.
Traditional methods of treatment
There are equally effective traditional methods of treatment. They are much more effective than the use of industrial drugs. Among the methods of alternative medicine the following are distinguished:
- Using soda paste . This is one of the most effective and simplest drugs for treatment. To prepare the paste, mix 150 ml. water with 3 tablespoons of soda. After a few minutes, the solution turns into a slurry. The product should be applied to the skin and left for 20 minutes. After the procedure, the skin should be rinsed under running water.
- St. John's wort and lemon . Dry leaves of the herb should be poured with boiling water and a decoction should be prepared. A piece of cloth or gauze should be dipped in the broth, squeezed out and applied to the damaged area. After this, apply a couple of drops of lemon on top of the attached fabric. The product helps reduce the rash and speed up healing.
- Chamomile extract. You need to prepare a decoction of chamomile, and then use it with compresses. The procedure reduces itching and quickly soothes the skin.
- Aloe . The squeezed juice of the plant eliminates swelling, redness and itching.
The listed methods of treating bedbug bites allow you to achieve quick results in a fairly short time.
Not all people turn to specialists when they find insect bites on their body, therefore, any of the presented treatment methods can be used.
Application of "Fenistil"
This is a fairly popular drug that has an antipruritic effect. Therefore, most doctors, when asked what ointment to apply to bedbug bites, answer that it is better to use Fenistil. The active ingredient of this drug is dimethindene maleate. This is an antihistamine with a vasoconstrictor effect. It blocks the functioning of histamine receptors responsible for the development of inflammation and itching. The drug "Fenistil" is effective after bites of various insects. It quickly relieves swelling, reduces discomfort and painful itching. But it is advisable to smear the bites immediately after they are discovered. Fenistil can be used even for children over 1 year of age.
During pregnancy
Insect bites during pregnancy do not have a negative effect on the fetus. However, the fact of a bug bite is unpleasant for the expectant mother. It is known that the use of a number of medications during pregnancy is prohibited. Below are drugs that are suitable for both pregnant women and young children.
- Bepanten. Promotes rapid healing of the skin and restoration of its structure.
- Rescuer. It is an antibacterial ointment that ensures rapid resorption of inflammation.
- Ointment "Star". The most affordable remedy that has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Advanta. Has an intensive effect on allergic reactions.
- Fenistil. Allows you to eliminate pain.
Variety of means
There are no specific medications for bedbug bites. But there are many remedies that can relieve itching, inflammation, and prevent an allergic reaction and infection of the wound. It can be:
- alcohol tinctures of various herbs or other substances, for example, calendula tincture, ammonia, salicylic alcohol;
- various antiseptics or anti-inflammatory drugs in solutions - “Menovazin”, “Dimexide”, hydrogen peroxide;
- ointments with anti-inflammatory effect;
- creams, which differ from ointments in having a less greasy base and less active ingredient;
- gels that quickly relieve itching and inflammation due to faster penetration under the skin.
On children's bodies
Bedbug bites in children have characteristics and rarely cause an aggravated reaction. As a rule, the consequences of a bite are limited to redness and slight induration. Children easily tolerate insect bites, experiencing only itching. You should be aware of the selectivity of bedbugs, since most often they attack small children.
This can be explained by the fact that children's skin is thinner and more accessible to a bite. Also, children spend a lot of time in bed, so they are more likely to be exposed to parasites. There are a few cases in which the child’s body reacts sharply to the enzyme that the bug introduced during the bite. The child has a very weak immune system, so he is more susceptible to various infections. An insect can drink about 3 grams of blood. Therefore, a massive accumulation of parasites can lead to large blood losses.
Bedbug bites can lead to allergic reactions. Inflammation and significant enlargement of lymph nodes and fever may occur. Reactions that include indigestion and headaches may occur.
In exceptional cases, bites can cause iron deficiency anemia. The extreme degree of development of an allergic reaction can be expressed in anaphylactic shock. This condition is accompanied by loss of consciousness, organ dysfunction and severe swelling.
Insect bites can cause sleep disturbances in children. Particularly impressionable children experience a depressed mood from the realization that they are being bitten by bedbugs at night.
Why do bedbugs bite?
Bedbugs bite people to survive and continue to reproduce. A bedbug needs blood to go through all stages of development from egg to adult.
Why don't all family members get bitten?
Often during treatments, when talking with people, they are surprised that one of the family members was bitten completely; the others have no symptoms of bites.
Bed bugs prefer to “meal” on the bodies of women and children. This is explained by the fact that their skin is more delicate and thin. The smallest blood vessels are close to the surface (especially in a child). In addition, women and children do not have such a pronounced body odor, which can obscure the aroma of blood.
Main versions:
- blood type (version not confirmed, because bedbugs cannot determine blood type by smell)
- the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the victim when exhaling; bedbugs find a food source by “smell”; the more carbon dioxide a person exhales, the more attractive it is to the bedbug.
- the distance of the victim from the nest, bugs are very shy and prefer to feed closer to the nesting site, this, in my opinion, is the most realistic version..
- softer skin in children and women; bedbugs do not divide their victims by gender, species, age; if the bug is hungry, it can also attack animals: cats, dogs, bats, etc.
- Blood vessels in children are closer to the skin.
Why don't everyone get bites?
As we discussed above, bedbugs bite everyone without exception, but everyone’s reaction to bites is different, some have very pronounced symptoms, others upon awakening do not observe traces of bites and they are not bothered by them.
The feelings of an adult and a child after a visit from a “bed bloodsucker” are completely different. Men are not as susceptible to parasite attacks as children. In many cases, they simply do not notice that they have become a feeding site at night. In addition, many do not even know what bites look like. By morning, the redness in the area of the wound may completely disappear and nothing will remind you of the visit of uninvited guests.
- In 70% of people, bites do not appear at all (the bite site quickly passes)
- 30% suffer from bedbug bites (bumps, pain, severe itching), severe allergic reactions, rashes all over the body, and chills are possible. When such patients go to the clinic, inexperienced doctors begin to treat them for allergies.
What to do to avoid being bitten?
If you suspect that a room is infested with insects, you need to follow several rules to protect yourself from being bitten:
- You need to move the furniture away from the walls;
- Shake the bed linen thoroughly and check for bedbugs;
- The mattress needs to be ironed with an iron in steam mode;
- You should inspect the pillow from all sides and remove the pillowcase from it;
- Bedding should be boiled or placed in the freezer;
- The bed should be made so that it does not touch the floor covering;
- You need to place containers of water under the legs of the bed;
- Upholstered furniture and carpets should be thoroughly cleaned with a vacuum cleaner;
- Curtains need to be removed and washed;
- All things, including toys, shoes and other items must be treated with boiling water;
- Cosmetic repairs should be organized, during which it is necessary to remove cracks and cracks in walls, baseboards, etc.;
- Using kerosene, denatured alcohol and vinegar can repel insects;
- It is necessary to use special means to exterminate parasites;
- If it is not possible to process an item, you must throw it away;
- If the extermination of bedbugs does not lead to the desired results, you need to contact a special service that will carry out the disinfection procedure.
If suspicions about the appearance of bedbugs are confirmed, you should move on to active methods for their immediate extermination. This can be done in several ways. Many people actively fight insects using folk remedies. Use chemicals or bedbug traps effectively. The most expensive way is to contact a specialized company that deals with the destruction of bedbugs. However, this method provides a guarantee against getting rid of bedbugs. The listed methods have their advantages and disadvantages. The most suitable method should be selected based on efficiency and economic feasibility.
How to protect yourself from bites (body treatment, furniture treatment, repellers)
In order to avoid becoming a victim of night parasites that feed on our blood, it is necessary to take preventive measures. To get rid of the problem, you should stock up on the necessary means, as well as patience, because it is not always possible to destroy parasites and their nests in a short time. To begin with, you need to protect your body, wear closed pajamas, be sure to wear socks, since bedbugs infect open areas of the human body, and not a single bug can get through tight-fitting clothes.
You should monitor the cleanliness of not only your clothes, but also your bed linen, which needs to be changed daily. If you wash in a washing machine, you need to set it to a high temperature setting. It is also necessary to treat the bed, since bedbugs cannot tolerate strong odors, the legs of the bed and the headboard can be treated with aromatic oils.
Thus, to get rid of night parasites, it is necessary to take decisive and preventive measures, and after detecting a bite, it is worth identifying the symptoms and starting timely treatment. Despite the fact that folk remedies do not cause side effects, you still need to use them carefully so as not to further aggravate the situation. Bedbugs are parasites that cause unpleasant troubles and problems, but decisive measures will help get rid of them once and for all.
