Do Bed Bugs Make You Itch?
WouterOne of the most common questions about bedbugs is, “do bed bugs make you itch?” Generally speaking, it is not the bugs themselves that cause the itching. It’s your body’s natural response to exposure to bugs. It releases a chemical known as histamines, which act as an anti-inflammatory. These chemicals are produced in the body in response to physical damage, infections, and allergic reactions. When they reach your skin, histamines cause swelling, redness, and itchiness. Sometimes, these rashes may be so severe that they can cause fever and blisters.
The bites from bedbugs can be itchy and even painful. The bites may bleed or leave red marks that can break skin. It’s important not to scratch these spots because the bites may become infected. Moreover, the irritation caused by bedbugs can cause allergic reactions, so you should seek medical treatment immediately. You can try an anticoagulant or an anesthetic to alleviate the itching.
If you think you have bedbugs, you should wash the affected area with soap and water. You can also use a cold compress to provide additional relief. Applying an anti-itch cream or low-strength steroid cream may also help. However, these treatments may not be appropriate for young children. If your child understands them, you should prevent them from scratching the bites. Alternatively, you can cover them with a bandage to reduce the irritation and itching.
Over-the-counter antihistamines and steroid creams are often effective for bed bug bites. You should consult with a dermatologist before starting any treatment. However, if the itching is a chronic problem, you may need to take antibiotics.
