Why Does It Itch When Bed Bugs Bite?
WouterBed bugs are tiny parasitic insects that feed on the blood of people and animals. They are reddish brown in color and are wingless. They feed on the blood of the host for up to five minutes. Usually, bedbugs are only active when there is a blood meal, but they can live for months without one. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of bed bug bites.
The first step in treating bedbug bites is to wash them with soap and water. You can also apply a cold compress to reduce the itchiness. Some people also apply low-strength steroid creams to the bitten area. However, these treatments may not be safe for young children and babies.
Bedbug bites can be quite uncomfortable. You may experience an intense itch and a hive-like bump near the bite site. You might also see rust-like spots where the bugs had bitten you. The bites may also be surrounded by black dots of the bugs’ poop. In some people, bedbug bites can develop into an infection, or even lead to blisters.
The bites can be anywhere on your body, and they typically appear in a zigzag pattern. The itching is caused by an anticoagulant that bedbugs secrete while biting. Those with an infestation may also find their way into your curtains or furniture.
