We all know how crucial it is to quickly treat bed bug bites. But the first step, before looking for bed bug bites treatment over the counter, isn’t to find out where you can buy effective treatments, it’s to find out what exactly causes those pesky bite marks. Going on holiday is supposed to be an exciting time for you, but what if you are faced with a nasty surprise such as Bed Bug Bites? The thought of these little critters crawling around on your bed is enough to give anyone sleepless nights. Chill out and take it easy, though. There are a number of over the counter treatments available that can help relieve the itch from both bed bug bites and lice bites. How to treat bed bug bites? These insistent blood-sucking insects infest homes, motels and hotels in addition to your bed. They feed on animals and people. The rashes they cause are itching, sore and actually can worsen over a period of time. There are several ways of treating bed bug bites but often the best treatment is via over the counter drugs that you would find in any pharmacy, supermarket or health store. I was bitten in hotel by these creatures while on vacation and whilst I don’t wish it upon anyone, I have learned a great deal from my experience

Bed Bug Bites Treatment Over The Counter

Benadryl

Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine that helps reduce itching and swelling. If you have a severe allergy to bed bugs, Benadryl can be used to treat the bites. It’s important to note that Benadryl will not kill bed bugs or prevent them from biting you again. However, it may help reduce swelling and itching if your skin reacts strongly to the bites.

Benadryl is available in lotion or cream form at most pharmacies without a prescription.

After Bite

After Bite is a product that will help relieve the pain and itching from a bed bug bite. It may also be used in cases of mosquito or flea bites. After Bite is available over the counter in many countries including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It comes in a small tube which can be easily carried in your purse or pocket for when you need it most. The relief is almost immediate when applied to an area where you have been bitten by one of these insects!

Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is a topical medication used to treat itching and redness from bug bites, sunburn, allergies, poison ivy and other minor skin irritations. It works by blocking the release of histamine in your body. Histamine can be released when you’re exposed to something that causes an allergic reaction such as a bee sting or eating certain foods like peanuts.

The medicine contains zinc oxide powder which absorbs moisture from your skin and forms a protective layer over it while keeping irritants out of your system. This will help relieve some of the discomfort caused by these food triggers or other sources of irritation until you heal completely.

Cortisone Cream

If you have a small infestation, or just one or two bites, the best over-the-counter treatment is a cortisone cream. This reduces swelling and itching from bug bites. Cortisones are steroids—they reduce inflammation and help relieve pain. They’re available in creams and lotions that can be found at any drugstore or pharmacy without a prescription (although some brands require a doctor’s note).

You can also buy them online with an active ingredient of hydrocortisone 1%.

In order for it to work properly, you must use this product exactly as directed on the package insert or by your health care provider.

Sea Salt Soak

Sea salt soak

This remedy is popular among many people who have been bitten by bed bugs. Simply combine 1 cup of hot water and 1 teaspoon of sea salt in a bowl. Soak a washcloth in the solution, then place it over the affected area for 10 minutes. Repeat as needed to reduce swelling and irritation from bites.

Other tips for reducing swelling include applying an ice pack to your skin for about 20 minutes at a time, or taking ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve pain (but be sure to consult your doctor if you’re concerned).

Polysporin Ointment

The first thing to do if you notice bed bug bites is to call a pest control professional. They will determine whether or not you have bed bugs and help you prevent them from coming back.

If you want to try an over-the-counter product, Polysporin Ointment may be worth a shot. This non-prescription topical antibiotic comes in two forms: the original formula and Polysporin First Aid Ointment with Pain Relief which contains pain reliever lidocaine. Both formulas treat skin infections like rashes, cuts, scrapes and burns as well as insect bites such as mosquito bites and spider bites. The original formula is intended for external use only while the other version can also be applied on broken skin that has been lacerated by an open wound (a cut or scratch).

Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrocortisone cream is the most common over-the-counter treatment for bed bug bites. It works by reducing itching and irritation, as well as relieving inflammation. Most people who use this product find it to be more effective when applied within 24-48 hours of the bite occurring. Because hydrocortisone contains a corticosteroid, you should speak with your doctor before starting any new skin care regimen, especially if you have a condition like eczema or psoriasis that makes it hard for your body to fight off infections or allergies

Treating Bed Bug Bites

• Wash the bite with water to remove any excess saliva or bed bug body parts.
• Apply cold compresses for 15 minutes at a time, but not longer than three hours at a time.
• Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to help relieve itching and inflammation caused by bed bug bites.
• Take an antihistamine if you are sensitive to the bites, as this may help reduce swelling and itching.
• Over-the-counter products such as Cortizone 10 can also be used to treat bed bug bites in most cases.