Why Bed Bugs Itch
WouterIf you think you’ve got bedbugs, you should wash your clothes in hot water as soon as possible after you get home. If you can’t do that right away, you should store them in a sealed plastic bag until you can wash them. You should also change your linens regularly. Bedbug bites can cause skin infections, including cellulitis and impetigo, which are treatable by antibiotics. If you’re not sure how to get rid of bedbugs, consider contacting a professional pest control service.
The bites of bedbugs are typically itchy, and this is because of their saliva. The histamine released by the bites can cause a reaction in the skin. However, reactions vary and some people experience a severe reaction, while others only experience minor irritation. While bedbug bites usually go away on their own, you should avoid scratching them.
Bedbug bites can be treated by washing them in water with soap. An antihistamine cream or cold compress will also help reduce the itching. For severe itchiness, you can apply over-the-counter antihistamines or low-strength steroid cream. But you should avoid giving these medications to infants and young children.
The bites of bedbugs can be painful, but they don’t hurt as badly as a bee sting. In fact, the most common complaints about bed bug bites are related to the itching. This is caused by the chemicals that bed bugs insert into the body during the bite.
