When Bed Bugs Bite – What Are the Symptoms?
WouterWhen bedbugs bite, they leave behind an intense itch. You should wash the affected area with soap and water to reduce the itching and prevent infection. Alternatively, you can use antihistamines to relieve the itching. Generally, bedbug bites heal within two weeks.
Bedbugs have interesting mouthparts. Before biting, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant to make the blood flow more easily. The left-over chemicals from the bites cause itching. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. While these treatment options may relieve the itching and swelling, they may not be effective in preventing or curing bedbug infestation.
Some people experience mild itching or no reaction at all. However, others experience severe rashes, such as hives or blisters. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your health care provider immediately. Moreover, bedbugs are easily spread from one place to another, so you need to check your clothes, boxes, luggage and furniture for signs of infestation. It’s also possible to spread bedbugs to other rooms in your house. The best way to prevent the spread of bedbugs is to keep the space clean.
Bedbugs do not feed every night, so it may take weeks before you notice them. This makes them difficult to detect until they multiply. However, once you discover them, you can treat the bites with over-the-counter steroid cream or pain reliever.
