Most people who are bitten by bed bugs experience symptoms that include irritation, sores, or itchiness. But how should bed bug bites be treated and can they be prevented?
There are several ways of reducing the chances of getting bites, while the treatment options include good hygiene and antihistamines.
This article explores bed bug bite treatment and prevention methods in detail.
Infection From Bed Bug Bite
Bug bites can be annoying, but most are harmless and you’ll just have a few days of itching. But some bug bites do need treatment, including:
- bites from a poisonous insect
- bites that cause a serious condition like Lyme disease
- bites or stings from an insect to which you’re allergic
Some bug bites can also become infected. If your bite does become infected, you’ll usually need to see a doctor for treatment. However, most infected bug bites can be treated with a course of antibiotics.
Most insect bites will be itchy and red for a few days. But if one gets infected, you might also have:
Bug bites can often cause a lot of itching. Scratching may make you feel better, but if you break the skin, you can transfer bacteria from your hand into the bite. This can lead to an infection.
The most common infections of bug bites include:
Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection. It’s most common in infants and children, but adults can get it too. Impetigo is very contagious.
Impetigo causes red sores around the bite. Eventually, the sores rupture, ooze for a few days, and then form a yellowish crust. The sores may be mildly itchy and sore.
The sores may be mild and contained to one area, or more widespread. More severe impetigo may cause scarring. No matter the severity, impetigo is usually not dangerous and can be treated with antibiotics. However, untreated impetigo can cause cellulitis.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of your skin and the surrounding tissue. It’s not contagious.
Symptoms of cellulitis include:
- redness that spreads from the bite
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes
- chills
- pus coming from the bite
Cellulitis can usually be treated with antibiotics. Untreated or severe cellulitis can cause sepsis, a life threatening complication of infection.
Lymphangitis
Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, which connect lymph nodes and move lymph throughout your body. These vessels are part of your immune system.
Symptoms of lymphangitis include:
- red, irregular tender streaks that extend out from the bite, which may be warm to the touch
- enlarged lymph nodes
- fever
- headache
- chills
Lymphangitis can be treated with antibiotics. If it’s not treated, it can lead to other infections, such as:
- skin abscesses
- cellulitis
- blood infection
- sepsis, which is a life threatening systemic infection
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is an illness caused by a bacteria transmitted through tick bites. In the United States, Lyme disease is most common in the northeast, mid-Atlantic, and north-central states.
Symptoms of Lyme disease include:
- bull‘s-eye-shaped rash (not everyone who has Lyme disease gets this rash, but it’s characteristic of Lyme disease)
- fever
- headache
- joint pain
- muscle pain
- fatigue
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. It’s important to diagnose and treat Lyme disease early, so always check for ticks after being outdoors in areas where Lyme disease is common. Untreated illness can cause issues with your joints, heart, and nervous system.
You may be able to treat minor infections at home with over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointments. But in many cases, you’ll need to go to the doctor for an infected bug bite or sting. You should see a doctor if:
- you have signs of a systemic infection, such as chills or a fever, especially if the fever is above 100°F (37.7°C)
- your child has any signs of an infected bug bite
- you have signs of lymphangitis, such as red streaks extending from the bite
- you develop sores or abscesses on or around the bite
- the pain on or around the bite gets worse over a few days after you’ve been bitten
- the infection doesn’t get better after using an antibiotic ointment for 48 hours
- redness spreads from the bite and gets bigger after 48 hours
In the beginning of an infection, you may be able to treat it at home. But if the infection gets worse, you may need medical treatment. Call a doctor if you’re not sure.
Home remedies
Most home remedies focus on treating the symptoms of an infection while you’re taking antibiotics. Try the following for relief:
- Clean the bite with soap and water.
- Keep the bite and any other infected areas covered.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Use topical hydrocortisone ointment or cream to reduce itching and swelling.
- Use calamine lotion to relieve itching.
- Take an antihistamine like Benadryl to reduce itching and swelling.
Medical treatments
In many cases, an infected bug bite will need an antibiotic. You may be able to try OTC antibiotic ointments for minor bug bites without symptoms of severe infection, such as
- fever
- rapid worsening redness
- pain
If those don’t work, or your infection is severe, a doctor can prescribe a stronger topical antibiotic or oral antibiotics.
If abscesses develop because of the infection, you may need minor surgery to drain them. This is usually an outpatient procedure.
An infection is just one reason to see a doctor after an insect bite or sting. You should also see a doctor after a bite or sting if you:
- are stung or bitten in the mouth, nose, or throat
- have flu-like symptoms a few days after a tick or mosquito bite
- have a rash after a tick bite
- are bitten by a spider and have any of the following symptoms within 30 minutes to 8 hours:
- cramping
- fever
- nausea
- severe pain
- an ulcer at the site of the bite
Additionally, get emergency medical treatment if you have symptoms of anaphylaxis, an emergency condition caused by a severe allergic reaction.
There are relatively few treatments options when it comes to uncomplicated bed bug bites.
The first recommended line of treatment involves cleaning the wound, ideally with soap and water.
For itchy bites, the following may relieve minor symptoms:
- over-the-counter hydrocortisone
- anti-itch creams
- antihistamines
Most wounds heal on their own within a week, sometimes two.
If severe swelling, inflammation, or itchiness occurs or persists, a person should seek medical attention.
A dramatic immune response may be a sign of an allergic reaction. If this is the case, one of the following may need to be administered:
- an injectable corticosteroid
- antihistamine
- epinephrine medication
If infection occurs, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Severe itchiness may result in further complications, such as infection or scarring. If severe itching is experienced, people may be prescribed corticosteroid creams and antihistamine pills or liquid.
Infection From Bed Bug Bite
Allergic reactions and infections from bedbug bites
Although rare, there have been isolated case reports of systemic allergic reactions to bedbug bites. Reactions typically included hives, asthma, and in rare occasions, anaphylaxis.
In addition, constant scratching of lesions caused by bedbug bites may lead to secondary infections, such as impetigo, folliculitis, or cellulitis. To reduce the risk of infection, wash the bites with soap and water, and try not to scratch them.
If you suspect that you’ve developed an infection or allergic reaction to a bedbug bite, contact your doctor. Get emergency medical care if you develop any of the following after being bitten:
- multiple hives
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing
- swelling of the throat or mouth
- fever
- chills
- dizziness
- confusion
List Of Infection From Bed Bug Bite
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