Bed bugs are one of the most annoying creatures that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are at their most active in the night times, feasting on people while they are asleep. On being bitten by a bed bug, you should first wash the bitten area with an antiseptic soap and water, and then follow it with these effective home remedies for bed bugs bites.
Their infestation is most commonly found in beds, cracks of furniture, any type of clothing, mattress, box springs, and even in the bed frames. Any exposed area of your skin will be their attacking ground while you are sleeping.
These filthy creatures will come out in the night from their hiding places and viciously attack you. They bite you over and over again. However, these bugs have a fascinating bite. The hollow tube they used to pierce through your skin and suck blood contains a powerful yet temporary painkiller. So, you won’t feel them biting you until the morning.
Hence, their bite is painless and ignorable. You can easily confuse bed bug bites with rashes. The common symptoms are small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin. You can also see redness, swelling, and itchiness in the bitten area.
These bites are rarely dangerous, but they can be utterly itchy. However, in some cases, the attacked area can become infected or cause an allergic reaction. Treating a bed bug bite is relatively easier than you think.
Effective Home Remedies Bed Bugs Bites
Here are some of the home remedies for bed bugs bites you can try at home and treat itchiness and prevent any allergic reactions:
Calamine Lotion
When it comes to bed bug bites, calamine lotion is one of the best ways to treat bites. Applying the cream can help you get symptomatic relief from the itching. It will also help to dry the rash and protect the skin when it is healing. So, if you are looking for a quick solution, then calamine lotion is one of the best home remedies for bed bug bites.
Soap Water
Soap water is, by far, one of the simplest and most effective home remedies for bed bugs bites. Using this home remedy can help you to get rid of the itchiness of the bed bug bite. The soap will work as a mild antiseptic and will clean the bitten area to prevent any infections.
First of all, wash the area with a mild soap and water mixture. Keep the content of water and soap enough to wet the surface of your hands. Now, rub the mixture over the affected area lightly. Repeat the process until the entire area is covered and leave it for a few minutes.
You will feel immediate relief from the itching. Wash the soap lather with clean water. You can also apply soap before washing it with water for better results.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a liquid astringent, and thus, it is considered one of the best home remedies for bed bug bites. It has a mild anesthetic effect which will help you alleviate the itching sensation caused due to these bites.
You can find this herbal remedy in the form of infusion, capsules, or mother tincture. This is the best home remedy for not only bed bug bites but also for various insect bites.
Baking Soda and Water
Baking soda and water mixture is also one of the most used home remedies for bed bugs bites. Using this home remedy can help you soothe the itching associated with the bites. Additionally, you can easily find baking soda in your kitchen.
You can also use this home remedy for other insect bites such as mosquito bites or flea bites and mitigate the itching and redness. You will be amazed by these Surprising Uses And Incredible Baking Soda Benefits.
Add baking soda to a small bowl and pour some water into a glass. Now, gradually add water in small amounts to the baking soda. Stir it until you get a thick paste. Now, apply the prepared paste to the bed bug bites. Let the paste dry and stay on the affected site for an hour or so. Wash it off with warm water.
Additionally, ensure that you moisturize the area as it will be a bit dry due to the baking soda mixture. Leaving it dry will lead to flaky skin and cause more itching.
Banana Peel
Well, if you have bed bugs in your home, then it is time for you to save the banana peels. Yes, you heard it right. Banana peels can help you soothe itchiness and irritation caused by bed bug bites.
The reason is simple; the inside surface of banana peel consists of anti-inflammatory properties that can be used as a treatment for bed bug bites. Additionally, it is harm-free and does not have any side-effects or so.
You will be surprised to know that banana peel contains bioactive compounds like carotenoids and polyphenols, which have therapeutic properties. Rubbing the banana peel will lessen the stingy and itchy feeling from the affected area.
You can try this home remedy as many times as you want throughout the day. Banana peel is one of the most affordable and harmless home remedies for bed bug bite and can even help you get rid of the redness caused by it.
Toothpaste
Most kinds of toothpaste consist of Menthol nowadays. Menthol is known to have a cooling effect on our bitten area. Using toothpaste will help you mitigate itching and irritation caused due to the bites.
Apply little menthol toothpaste on the affected area and let it sit for around 10 minutes. Rinse it with cold water after 10 minutes. Do this process thrice a day for better results. You can easily find toothpaste in your home, and hence, it is known as one of the most effective home remedies for bed bugs bites.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is full of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and has natural astringent properties, making it one of the simplest home remedies for bed bugs bites. It will help you dry out the rashes and keep itchiness on the bay, and also help you to diminish redness and calm down swelling. Apart from this there are many more Health Benefits Of Lemons
The best thing about this home remedy is that you need not go into the market to get the ingredients. You can easily find lemons in your home. Additionally, you will see its effects in just a few minutes after application.
However, make sure that you don’t apply lemon juice on open wounds as it can make the wound worse and cause you unbearable pain.
Apply an Anti-itch OTC Cream
Go to the medical store and ask for a cream that contains hydrocortisone or cortisone. This type of anti-itch cream can help you reduce the inflammation and itching caused by the bug bite. You can easily find a 1% hydrocortisone cream in any drugstore or pharmacy.
If you are confused about the cream, connect to your doctor to prescribe you the suitable cream.
To apply, follow the instructions given on the package. These creams are very mild and do not cause side effects if used for a short time, such as for a week. You can also purchase a more potent corticosteroid cream as per your doctor’s prescription.
Also Read: Certified And Easy Home Remedies For Chiggers
Final Words
The bites will likely get better on their own. However, in some cases, they might get infected and cause allergic reactions. Use these home remedies for bed bugs bites to get instant relief from the swelling, itching, and redness. If the redness and itching stay, consult your doctor.
