Have you ever been bitten by a bed bug? We hope not and we hope you will never be. It can be a nuisance and extremely irritating, especially if you have more than one bite. Bed bug bites look like small red welts on the skin and can become very itchy. Usually, these bites are not harmful but, sometimes it can affect people negatively to the point where they have to visit a clinic. There are however, some dangers that can come from being bitten by these tiny bloodsuckers.
Allergic Reactions
Sometimes a bed bug bite can cause a bad allergic reaction where the host can actually have life-threatening scares. Symptoms include: chest tightness, itchy lips/tongue, wheezing, or even Anaphylactic shock that needs medical attention as soon as possible.
Sleep Deprivation
If someone has been bitten one too many times, the itchiness and irritation can become too problematic and case sleep deprivation. Even just thinking about them will scare someone enough for them to lose sleep over it as it can be a terrifying thought knowing you have a bed bug infestation in your home. Sleep deprivation is dangerous and can cause many other problems in waking life such as doing your daily activities or even properly communicating with people.
Infection
Due to itchiness, bed bug bites can cause such inflation that if scratched enough, can result in an infection. The small open wounds when exposed to bacteria or chemicals of any kind are vulnerable to infection if not treated properly. Swelling will increase, and infections such as boils, impetigo, or cellulitis can emerge.
Stress
If you are aware of the bed bug infestation in your home, all you will think about is that! It will cause you such stress. It will cause more stress if you have already been bitten and are constantly scratching your skin. Stress will eventually cause emotional anxiety over time.
Bitten By a Bed Bug – Treatments
I’ve Got Bitten by A Bed Bug – Now What? If you have been bitten by one of these bloodsuckers, there are plenty of items you can find at your local store or online to help treat them Here are a list of some of the best products to use when treating your bed bug bites:
- Neosporin Neo To Go! First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Spray
Neosporin is a helpful antiseptic and works well when treating bed bug bites. It is small and convenient to carry around in a bad.
- Hibiclens Antimicrobial and Antiseptic Skin Cleanser Liquid
This is a great product that even hospitals use to cleanse skin and is recommended to be used in the shower when cleaning the bed bug bite. This cleanser liquid also prevents infection.
- First Aid Only Antiseptic Cleansing Wipes
Cleansing wipes are not only used to remove makeup, there are specific wipes that can help fight infection by a bed bug bite.
- BFI Antiseptic First-Aid Powder
Great antiseptic power that will heal and fight infection at the same time. It is a simple product that will get the job done. It is also sold on Amazon.
- Benadryl Topical Itch Stopping Cream
You can rub this product directly on bed bug bites and it will immediately stop the itchiness from causing you grief and prevent infection. This is a great product to use especially at night when you just can’t seem to stop scratching the bites.
- Oral Antihistamine
Some oral antihistamines include: Benadryl Ultratabs and Tylenol Severe Allergy Antihistamine. These are good products that work well but be aware that they can cause drowsiness.
- Rash Relief Balm
Rash Relief Balm is useful for itching, swelling, and any pain that comes from being bitten by a bed bug. It can also help soothe bites from other pests. This balm has many positive reviews. It can also treat skin reactions from poison ivy, poison oak, and any type of plant. IT’s great to use for a long list of problems and it definitely works well for its price. It does not contain harsh chemicals, sulfates or any preservatives. It does not have any odor and provides fast relief for rash symptoms.
- Emu Bliss On the Go First Response Stick
This product relives itchiness, swelling, and redness caused by bug bites. Emu Bliss does not contain any harsh chemicals and is completely made of all-natural products, so it does not have a bad odor. It contains natural botanicals and can treat skin irritation.
Although there are numerous products online and in stores to treat bed bug bites, these are some of the easiest ones to use and most compact if you prefer to carry it around with you every time you have an itch. Are there other risks to getting bitten by a bed bug?
- Bed bugs can carry around 41 human diseases
- For roughly 8 weeks, Hepatitis B can live inside of a bed bug if the host they fed on was already carrying it
- In the same time frame, HIV has also been found to live inside of a bed bug if it has fed on that host.
- The most severe health concern with bed bugs is MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staph Infection) that can cause death. Repeated scratching will break and tear the skin so bad that it causes significant health risks. Seek immediate medical attention if you have multiple bites and refrain as much as possible from scratching your skin.
