How to Treat Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites may be itchy, but they will typically heal in just two weeks right at home. The key to letting bed bugs heal is to do just that: let them heal. Scratching at bites will only lengthen the healing process and make your symptoms worse. When it comes to treating bed bug bites, here’s what to remember:

• Bites will heal in one to two week’s time.
• You can use OTC pain relievers to relieve swelling, pain, and itching.
• Apply hydrocortisone to relieve itching and burning.

Best Treatment For Bed Bug Bites

If you want your bed bug bites to go away as soon as possible, it’s important to learn how to treat them properly. As soon as the bite starts to appear, wash the area with water and mild, unscented soap. If you leave the soap on the site of the bites without rinsing, this may aid in itch relief. Washing the bites also helps prevent secondary skin infections. From there, you can use a number of treatments and medicines to treat bed bug bites:

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply an anti-itch cream that contains hydrocortisone.
2. Use calamine lotion on bites to relieve itching. This can also help protect the skin as it heals from any rashes.
3. Take OTC pain relievers to help with pain related to the bite. Similarly, take an oral antihistamine to help control any allergic reaction.

How Long Will Bed Bug Bites Take to Heal?

Under good circumstances, a bed bug bite will heal in just a couple of weeks. Good circumstances means it’s important to let the bites heal without irritating them. As tempting as it may be, it’s important to never scratch at the bites. Scratching can lengthen the healing process and make the symptoms even worse! For people that are more sensitive to insect bites, healing may take a little bit longer, but typically no more than a month. Lingering symptoms should always be addressed by a doctor.

Do I Have to Go to the Doctor For Bed Bug Bites?

The good news is that bed bug bites can almost always be treated right in the comfort of your home. If symptoms persist or take a turn for the worse, always consult a medical professional. It’s also important to enlist a bed bug exterminator to get rid of the infestation so you never have to deal with treating bed bug bites in the future.