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How to Treat Bed Bug Bites

Unless you’re dealing with an allergic reaction or infection, bed bug bites are treatable at home on your own. Here are a few easy guidelines to remember when treating bed bug bites:

  • Try not to scratch your bites no matter how itchy they feel – this will only slow the healing process
  • If left alone, bed bug bites should heal on their own within a week or two
  • Over-the-counter skin creams can be used to relieve itchiness
  • Hydrocortisone works well for more intense itching and burning
applying anti-itch cream to bed bug bites

Bed bug bite treatment options

Your bed bug bites can probably be treated at home unless they lead to an infection or allergic reaction – if they do, seek medical attention right away.

For mild bed bug bites, washing the area with soap and water can help. But instead of lathering soap into the area and washing it clean immediately, leave the soap on and allow it to air dry. Once it’s dry, then wash it off. Some other treatment options for bed bug bites include:

  • Use calamine lotion to relieve mild to moderate itching
  • Apply hydrocortisone to the area to relieve stronger itching and burning sensations
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease pain and reduce inflammation
  • Take an oral antihistamine for swelling as directed

How long do bed bug bites take to heal?

Mild to moderate bed bug bites will heal in a week or two as long as you don’t scratch them. Scratching will lengthen the healing process and can also worsen your itching sensation, so try not to! If you have a history of insect bite sensitivity, bed bites may take up to a month to heal.

Can you treat bed bug bites on your own?

Almost always yes, you can treat your bed bug bites on your own. The only instances where you can’t is if you get an allergic reaction from your bed bug bites, or they start to get infected. In either case, seek help from a medical professional immediately.

As for treating the actual bed bug infestation on your own, you’re almost always going to need a professional bed bug exterminator to help you out.

How to Treat Bed Bug Bites Serving Long Island and surrounding areas

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