If you have bed bugs at home, then you certainly are going to get these zigzag welts of bed bug bites in the clusters of 5-6 instances. Most of these bumpy insect bites will appear on exposed skin such as face, neck, arms and legs. If you prefer to sleep bare then you may find them all over your body.
Bed Bugs thrive on your blood and their feeding time is early in the morning for about 1 hour before sunrise. Red itchy bumpy rashes are visible on most post people who get bitten, but some people feel no symptoms as they don't itch in their cases. Generally, these bites signs disappear within a week or so but you can get rid of them earlier with some simple measures and home remedies.
In extreme cases of bites, there can be excessive swelling and burning or allergic reactions. Though on their own these bites do not turn into any significant problems, but constant scratching can cause skin infections. You may then require medical attention from a dermatologist.
As soon as you begin to realize that you have been bitten by bed bugs, your first subconscious reaction will be scratch the area to satiate the itch. Don't do it. Scratching can unnecessarily turn a small problem into a big by getting the area infected. Your objective should be to subside the itch by other means than scratching.
Measures to Reduce the Itch Caused by the Bed Bug Bites
1. Wash the Area with Water
As soon as you see the bite marks (They may not have began itching yet in some cases) wash them with water. You can also use a mild antiseptic soap with water to clean the area. This will not only reduce the itch but also prevent you to get infection.
2. Apply Ice
Pressing Ice cubes on the affected area will numb the tail end of the nerves, and as a result the itching will stop immediately. You can directly apply the ice cubes or wrap the ice cube in a cloth and press it on the bitten area. Make sure that the cotton cloth is thin to get the maximum results. You can also use commercially available ice pack wraps particularly on your feet and hands. Do it for 15 minutes or so to subside the itch sensation caused by the bedbug bites.
3. Remove Bed Bugs
Now since you have taken preliminary actions to handle the bites, you must begin to destroy the source. You must get rid of these tiny insects from your home as soon as possible, otherwise you will continue to get bites. You need to get external help for pest control or follow the US EPA guidelines to do it yourself.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider contains acetic acid which is anti-inflammatory and also reduces burning sensation. Apply Apple Cider Vinegar directly on the affected bed bug bite area. Leave it there for 15-20 minutes and then wash and clean the area dry. White vinegar will do an equally good job. Apply it whenever you get the itching sensation.
5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a very powerful ingredient to reduce itching and other skin irritations caused by insect bites including bed bugs. It also is useful in other skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and other dermatitis problems. Oatmeal possess anti-inflammatory properties which helps control itch.
There are many different ways in which you can use oatmeal to reduce the itch. The best way to use oatmeal is to make a paste and apply it on the bitten area. Take a tablespoon of oatmeal and add some water to make a thick paste. An overnight preparation is much better, however, if you keep the oatmeal in the water for a couple of hours it will do a good job of reducing the itch.
Apply the oatmeal paste in the affected area and leave it there for 30-45 minutes. Wash it clean with water. Always use cold water to clean the area as warm water may increase the itch.
Another method to use oatmeal for reducing the itch is to have an oatmeal bath. Adding a cup of oatmeal in the bathtub filled with water and then soak your body in it for 15-20 minutes. This method really doesn't do a good job as the oatmeal paste does. So stick to applying oatmeal paste.
6. Baking Soda
Backing soda or sodium bicarbonate is an anti-inflammatory agent. It does help in reducing the itch by changing the ph balance of the affected area. Make a thick paste of baking soda in water and apply it generously on the bitten area. Leave it there for 30 minutes. Wash and clean the area with water. Do it as and when you feel the itching sensation.
7. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera gel is a soothing agent. It helps many skin conditions including bug bites. Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected area 3-4 times a day.