Waking up with itchy, red bites is never a pleasant start to the day. If you suspect bed bugs are the culprit, it’s easy to start spiraling into worry. The good news is that bed bug bites are pretty benign. Bed bugs don’t spread diseases, and bites usually clear up on their own within 1-2 weeks. In the meantime, it helps to do what you can to alleviate the discomfort. Here are some simple remedies for bed bug bites.

Don’t Scratch

First and foremost, don’t scratch. We know it can be difficult because bed bug bites are itchy, uncomfortable and can sting, but resist the urge to scratch because you can accidentally break open the skin. This opens the door to all kinds of infections, which can bring bed bug bites from a minor problem to a much bigger one. Help yourself out by keeping your nails clean and short. 

Keep the Bites Clean

While bed bug bites are mostly harmless, they can become infected without the proper care. Make sure to wash the bites at least 1-2 times a day, using water and mild antibacterial soap. This reduces the chances of infection. Keeping the bites clean can also go a long way in reducing irritation, since it helps remove the lingering germs and chemicals from the bed bugs’ saliva that often cause itchiness and discomfort.

Apply a Cold Compress

One of the quickest ways to get relief from bed bug bites is to apply a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area. The cold brings down the swelling and causes a numbing sensation, which makes the bites feel less intense. You can do this for 10-15 minutes at a time every 2-3 hours as needed. Using a cold compress won’t make the bites disappear, but it can provide some temporary relief.

Use Over-the-Counter Creams and Medications

The itchiness from bed bugs can quickly become pretty intense and uncomfortable. To ease it, try using over-the-counter anti-itch creams. Hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion are common choices for bug bites. You can also try an over-the-counter antihistamine to help manage severe itching and allergic reactions. Use these medications according to the instructions, and, of course, talk to a doctor if the bites appear to be getting worse, become infected, cause severe allergic reactions or start to blister.

Try Home Remedies

If you don’t have any over-the-counter creams or medications on hand, there are a couple of home remedies you can try. The first and most popular is a quick cooling paste made from baking soda and water. The baking soda neutralizes the acids on the skin, soothing the itching and helping with the swelling. It also provides a cooling sensation that provides relief and takes some of the sting out. 

Aloe vera is another popular home remedy because it provides an immediate cooling sensation, and its natural anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling. Witch hazel also helps reduce the itchiness because it acts as a natural astringent and contains tannins, both of which work to tighten the skin and draw out excess fluid to bring down the swelling.

Address the Infestation, Not Just the Bites

Treating the bites is only half the battle. The other half is addressing the infestation. As long as bed bugs are present, the bites will keep returning. Start by washing and drying bedding on high heat and vacuuming the area. You can also use mattress encasements to help contain the problem. That said, bed bugs are not easy to get rid of, and professional bed bug control is always recommended. 

If bed bugs are disturbing your sleep, reach out to the Waukee bed bug control pros at Pro-Staff for help! Call us at (515) 279-7378 or contact us online for a free quote.