The itching from bed bug bites is probably the most common symptom that people report. The good news is that it’s a sign that your immune system is working to fight off the bed bugs. The bad news is that it can be very uncomfortable for some people, and for others, it can last for weeks or even months after the initial bite.
There are lots of things you can do to relieve the itching, including:
-Using an antihistamine like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to help you sleep through the night without being bothered by itchy bites;
-Taking hot baths with Epsom salts or baking soda (which will also help soothe your skin);
-Using calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream;
-Applying aloe vera gel directly to each bite site as needed;
The length of time that bed bug bites itch depends on the individual and can be anywhere from a few minutes to several days.
The most common cause of itching is an allergic reaction to the saliva the bed bugs inject into their host. This causes inflammation, which leads to itching and swelling. In some cases, however, it’s not an allergic reaction at all, it’s simply the result of being bitten so many times by such small insects that your skin gets irritated by the force of their bites (this is called “pruritus”).
How long do bed bug bites itch? It depends on you. If you have an allergy to these little critters, your bite may be itchy for hours or even days. However, if you don’t have allergies or sensitivities to them, your bite will probably only be itchy for about 30 minutes or so after being bitten.
Bed bugs are tiny, so their bites are usually not very big. However, they can still cause some redness and swelling. If this happens to you, you’ll want to make sure that you take care of your bite right away. You should also keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t get infected or inflamed.
If your bite gets worse or starts to spread, see a doctor right away.
Why Do Bed Bug Bites Keep Itching?
Bed bugs are a big problem, and one of the biggest questions about them is probably, “Why do bed bug bites keep itching?”
Bed bugs are very small insects that feed on human blood. They’re not dangerous to humans, but their bites can cause itchy bumps on your skin. These bites can also be painful and they may cause an allergic reaction if you have an allergy to bed bug saliva.
When you get bitten by a bed bug, it leaves behind a piece of its body on your skin. This is called “breakfast” for the bug because it’s like eating breakfast: they leave behind a little bit of themselves so that they can come back later on for more.
These pieces can cause an allergic reaction in some people. They may develop redness and swelling at the site of the bite as well as itching. The itching is usually worse than any other symptoms associated with bed bug bites.
It’s important to get rid of bed bugs before they become a problem in your home or apartment because they could spread from person to person if left untreated over time, which means more itching for everyone involved.
How Do You Know if Bites Are From Bed Bugs?
You can tell if you have bed bugs by seeing the bites. They are red, raised bumps that appear on your skin and are often in a line. They may also itch or burn.
If you see these signs and experience them for more than a couple of days, you should consider having your home inspected for bed bugs by a professional.
Do Bed Bug Bites Spread When You Itch Them?
The answer to this question is yes and no. It’s true that bed bug bites can spread when you scratch them, but it isn’t as simple as picking at the area and watching bacteria spread like wildfire. In fact, the only thing that really spreads when you itch a bed bug bite is the sensation of itching itself.
The truth is that bed bug bites are an allergic reaction to their saliva. This allergic reaction can cause redness, swelling, and even hives on your skin, all things that make it look like you’re spreading something when you start scratching away at your skin. But what you need to remember is that these symptoms are caused by a reaction in your immune system, not by any outside parasite or germ. So if you find yourself itching a bed bug bite, try taking some antihistamines or anti-itch creams instead of scratching away until there’s nothing left.
Long-Term Side Effects of Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs are a growing problem in the United States. They are known to cause allergic reactions and skin infections, but they can also lead to long-term health problems after an infestation.
The first type of long-term side effect is known as dermatitis (or dermatitis exfoliative), which causes inflammation and itching of the skin. This condition often develops from contact with bed bugs or feces. It can also occur when you come into contact with other insects that carry bacteria and viruses that cause dermatitis.
Secondary infections are another common long-term side effect of bed bug bites. These are caused by bacteria entering your body through open wounds on your skin that were caused by scratching because of an allergic reaction or irritation from bed bug bites. The most common secondary infections include streptococcal cellulitis, impetigo, and cellulitis (inflammation of your lymph nodes).
List of Products For Treating Bed Bug Bites
There are many products that can be used to treat bed bug bites, but not all of them are effective. The most effective treatments for bed bug bites include:
Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool, Poison Remover – Bug Bites and Bee/Wasp Stings, Natural Insect Bite Relief, Chemical Free – White/Single
Price: $9.80
Features :
- 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 | White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 1 Inch |
| Width | 3 Inches |
| Length | 5 Inches |
| Weight | 0.01984160358 Pounds |
Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Gel, 2 Percentage Diphenhydramine HCI Topical Analgesic & Histamine Blocker for Relief of Outdoor Itches Associated with Poison Ivy, Insect Bites & More, 3.5 fl. oz
Price: $4.89 ($1.40 / Fl Oz)
Features :
- 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
- The 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 | 0.268 Pounds |
| Release Date | 2015-06-22T00:00:01Z |
Dermoplast Pain, Burn & Itch Relief Spray for Minor Cuts, Burns, and Bug Bites, 2.75 Oz (Packaging May Vary)
Price: $10.00 ($3.64 / Ounce)
Features :
- Relieve pain fast: Childhood and family life are full of little irritations. Use Dermoplast pain and itch spray to quickly relieve the pain and itch of minor cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites, and sunburn
- Soothe, cool, and moisturize: Dermoplast combines hospital-strength Benzocaine with Aloe, lanolin, and Menthol to soothe and moisturize skin affected by insect bites and stings or minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
- Must-have for moms: Many new moms first use Dermoplast Spray in the hospital. The no-touch application and quick pain relief also make it ideal for kids 2 and up. Works on sensitive and hard-to-reach areas
- Soothing relief: With Dermoplast maximum strength formulas, you can bring hospital-strength comfort home to help relieve pain from minor cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites, and other skin irritations
- Comfort and care: Hospitals trust Dermoplast for post-partum pain relief and comfort. Use our first aid and pain relieving sprays at home to provide safe, effective pain and itch relief for your whole family
Additional Info :
| Color | – |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 5.75 Inches |
| Width | 2.06 Inches |
| Length | 2.06 Inches |
| Weight | 0.3 Pounds |
| Release Date | 2017-06-08T00:00:01Z |
Sallye Ander “No-Bite-Me” All-Natural Bug & Insect Repellent – Anti Itch Cream – Safe for Kids and Infants – Repels Mosquitoes, Black Flies, Fleas, and Ticks – 2 oz
Price: $14.95 ($7.48 / Fl Oz)
Features :
- ALL IN ONE REPELLENT AND ANTI-ITCH: “No-Bite-Me” DOES IT ALL. Forgot to apply “No-Bite-Me” and got some bug bites? No problem: it’s an anti-itch cream too. Other creams make you choose between repelling bugs and treating uncomfortable bug bites, but “No-Bite-Me” prevents and repairs bug-bombed skin. Effective on black flies, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
- KEEPS BUGS AWAY NATURALLY: Our proprietary blend of 16 essential oils, including cedar, mint, rosemary, and lemongrass, creates a strong minty and herbaceous scent that helps keep bugs at bay for up to 4 HOURS – while ensuring your sensitive skin is safe and healthy.
- SAFE FOR CHILDREN: “No-Bite-Me” is a completely safe, natural bug repellent. It’s easy to apply – just dot on exposed skin and blend in. No mess. No fuss. Deet free to protect even the smallest adventurers.
- FULL SIZE FOR BEST VALUE: Our 8oz tin of “No-Bite-Me” cream is amazing for the seasoned traveler. Throw a tin in your backpack, or keep it handy when camping. One tin provides plenty of relief for you and the whole family.
- SALLYE ANDER PROMISE: When you buy Sallye Ander products, you can rest assured knowing you are supporting a company committed to quality and the environment. All products are 100% handmade in the USA from organic locally sourced ingredients, and we’re completely cruelty-free
Additional Info :
| Color | Clear |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 2 Inches |
| Width | 3 Inches |
| Length | 3 Inches |
| Weight | 0.13 Pounds |
Katchy Indoor Insect Trap – Catcher & Killer for Mosquito, Gnat, Moth, Fruit Flies – Non-Zapper Traps for Buzz-Free Home – Catch Flying Insect Indoors with Suction, Bug Light & Sticky Glue (Black)
Price: $44.99
Features :
- Triple trapping power, first the UV light attracts the bug then the fan sucks it in and the sticky glue boards trap it. No Zapper.
- The subtle and stylish fruit fly, gnat, and mosquito killer, no more ugly traps, easily place in your home, kitchen, or office as a decorative, stylish piece.
- Trap indoors, close to insect-ridden fruit, plants, or trash bin, and turn off lights for best results.
- Not effective on house flies.
- Easy to use, choose between standard or low-speed setting and leave it to work its magic, EPA Est. Numb.:93372-CHN-1
Additional Info :
| Color | Black |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 9.1 Inches |
| Width | 5.5 Inches |
| Length | 5.5 Inches |
In Conclusion,
it is clear that bed bug bites are not only itchy, but they can be very painful as well. The itching is caused by histamine, which is released into the skin when a bed bug bites you. The histamine causes the blood vessels in your skin to swell, which causes the itching and the redness associated with the bite.
The best way to stop the itching is to treat the bite right away with antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream. If you don’t want to use an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream, you can try applying some ice to help reduce swelling and pain from bed bug bites.