If you’ve ever had bed bugs, then you probably know the challenge of dealing with their bites. I don’t think I’ve met one person who hasn’t had a strong reaction to their bites. This article will help you better understand the stages of healing so you can choose the right treatment for your unique case. Bed bug bites can leave behind an unusual looking skin welt, especially for people who have never encountered bed bugs before. It’s possible to mistake bed bug bites with other types of bites, such as those left behind by fleas or mosquitoes. If you have been bitten by bed bugs, you might be wondering if you’re healing correctly. The following is a general timeline of what to expect as your bed bug bites heal. The time it takes for bed bug bites to heal depends on severity and the development of your individual insect allergies.
Bed Bug Bites Healing Stages
Stage 1
The first stage of bites is when the skin feels itchy and has a red, inflamed appearance. This stage can last for 1 to 3 days after you are bitten by a bed bug. The bite marks will appear as small, flat and red marks that may look like hives or pimples. There may be multiple bite markings in one area.
Bite marks are not visible at this point because they are very small (less than 1/8 inch). An itch occurs at the site of each bite mark because of chemicals injected into your skin by an adult bed bug while feeding on blood from your body during its molting stage. During this time, an immature nymph is still growing and requires more nutrients than an adult does when they feed on your blood during their entire life span since they do not lay eggs until their fifth molting cycle; therefore adults need less food intake compared to younger stages thus causing less itching when feeding occurs for both male/female adults as well as male/female nymphs/nymphs respectively.”
Stage 2
The second stage of the bed bug bite reaction is characterized by the formation of a raised bump on your skin. It can be very itchy, and you may want to scratch it. This is a normal part of healing from a bed bug bite.
The welts may look like small red spots at first and then turn into raised bumps that can range in size from about that of an eraser on a pencil to as large as a quarter (25-50mm). Sometimes the welts form lines or zigzags across your skin, but this isn’t always the case—sometimes they appear randomly throughout different parts of your body.
It’s important to know that not everyone has visible signs after being bitten by bed bugs, even if they do feel something happening under their skin!
Stage 3
This stage marks the end of the bed bug bite healing process. The skin will be fully healed and should return to its normal shade. There should be no inflammation or itching, as well as no pockmarks from previous bites or areas where blood was drained from the skin. If you have a bad reaction to bed bug bites, you should see your doctor immediately.
Prevention
Prevention is the best way to keep bed bugs at bay. You can prevent an infestation by avoiding used mattresses or furniture, and by purchasing all new bedding. If you find signs of a possible infestation, such as scabs or bloodstains on sheets, check with your landlord or building manager before moving in. Once you’ve moved into your new home, follow these tips to prevent bed bug bites:
- Look for signs of bed bugs when visiting hotels or staying with friends and relatives. Pay attention to crevices where the mattress meets the wall, particularly around headboards and footboards. If you see any signs of bed bug activity (such as black spots), leave immediately and tell someone who can help you get out safely without spreading them to other parts of the house.* * Keep your home clean—especially where you sleep.* Wash sheets frequently in hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit) using plenty of detergent—the heat will kill any eggs that may be present so they cannot hatch into more nymphs.* Use a flashlight as directed by pest management professionals (PMPs) during inspections; some species are active only at night.* If your pet sleeps in its own bedroom rather than with other members of the family: Check it thoroughly if there’s been an outbreak nearby; if necessary consult a veterinarian about how often pets should be bathed.’
Bed bug bites can take a little time to heal.
The time it takes for bed bug bites to heal varies from person to person and even from bite to bite. The healing process is dependent on your immune system, which can react differently in each individual. Some people may experience severe itching and swelling that lasts for a week or longer, while others may only have minor irritation for a few days.
In order to speed up the healing process, you can take steps such as:
- Avoid scratching the bites; this will make them more irritated and inflamed
- Apply ice packs or cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Use an antiseptic ointment (such as Neosporin) to prevent infection
- 3.5-ounce tube of Benadryl Extra-Strength Cooling Itch Stopping Anti-Itch Gel for fast cooling relief from skin pain and itching from most outdoor itches
- Provides relief from most outdoor itches associated with insect bites, sunburn, scrapes, minor skin irritations, burns, and minor cuts
- Soothing anti-itch gel also provides relief from itching associated with rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac
- Cooling gel formula contains 2% of the topical analgesic pain reliever diphenhydramine hydrochloride that works by blocking histamines to relieve itches associated with several ailments
- Intended for use by those ages 2 and up, soothing gel offers itch relief for kids and adults alike and is great to keep on hand during outdoor activities such as camping, hiking or taking a walk with the family
Additional Info :
Item Dimensions | |
Height | 6.35 Inches |
Width | 2.43 Inches |
Length | 1.47 Inches |
Weight | 3.5 ounces |
Release Date | 2015-06-22T00:00:01Z |
- Removes insect venom, saliva, and other irritants left under the skin using suction
- By removing the irritant, the body stops producing the reaction that is causing you to itch & swell
- Works on: mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, no-see-ums, chiggers, sea lice & more
- Compact, lightweight, reusable and easy to carry
- Clinically Proven, kid friendly, 100% guarantee
Additional Info :
Color | Single |
Item Dimensions | |
Height | 1 Inches |
Width | 3 Inches |
Length | 5 Inches |
Weight | 0.01984160358 Pounds |
- One Essential Solution: Aquaphor is one essential solution for many skin care needs; use on dry, cracked skin, as a lip moisturizer, facial moisturizer, hydrating mask, minor wound care and much more
- For Dry, Compromised Skin: This Aquaphor Healing Ointment is designed specifically for dry, compromised skin and clinically proven to restore smooth, healthy skin
- Convenient Replacement: Use Aquaphor Healing Ointment as a replacement for a foot cream or hand cream to help heal dry cracked hands, cuticles and feet
- Ideal for Healing: Different from a body lotion or cream, this ointment is water-free, and soothes skin while creating a protective barrier that allows for the flow of oxygen to create an ideal healing environment
- Includes one (1) 14 ounce jar of Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant
Additional Info :
Color | bA |
Item Dimensions | |
Height | 3.7 Inches |
Width | 3.86 Inches |
Length | 3.86 Inches |
Weight | 0.09038952742 Pounds |
Release Date | 2021-04-05T00:00:01Z |
- Add a layer of protection to your clothing and gear with Permethrin insect and tick repellent spray — perfect for use on shirts, jackets, pants, socks, shoes, boots, sleeping bags, tents, netting, when outdoors, camping, hunting, or on travel
- Ideal for backpacking, backyard BBQs, and other outdoor activities, it’s effective against more than 55 kinds of insects — from disease-spreading ticks (Lyme disease) and mosquitoes (West Nile and Zika viruses) to chiggers, spiders, mites, and more
- Permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings (whichever comes first) and won’t stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear; odorless after drying
- Reduce likelihood of a tick bite by 73.6 times by treating shoes and socks with Permethrin (University of Rhode Island study – 2017)
- 24-ounce trigger spray bottle treats five complete outfits (updated EPA dosage is 4.5 ounces per outfit consisting of shirt, pants, and socks); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Picaridin topical repellent for the skin
Additional Info :
Color | Yellow |
Item Dimensions | |
Height | 3 Inches |
Width | 3 Inches |
Length | 9 Inches |
Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
Release Date | 2011-10-28T00:00:01Z |
- 2 pack
- 4 oz. tube
- temporarily relieves discomfort and itching. Provides a multiple purpose moisture barrier.
Additional Info :
Color | White |
Item Dimensions | |
Height | 1.69 Inches |
Width | 6.9 Inches |
Length | 3.2 Inches |
Weight | 0.02 Pounds |
Release Date | 2016-07-18T00:00:01Z |