Bed bug infestations could have substantial adverse effects on health and quality of life. That’s why it’s crucial to not just treat the bites, but also to prevent infestations.
How Do We Treat Bed Bug Bites?
Reports say we can treat bed bug bites with over-the-counter solutions.
If the affected area becomes itchy, topical application of over-the-counter or prescription anti-itch agents (paroxime, doxepin) or intermediate potency corticosteroids (triamcinolone) may be helpful.
Superinfected sites may benefit from topical mupirocin or systemic antibiotics, which require prescription. Doctors treat systemic reactions to bed bug bites as insect-induced severe life-threatening reactions. Treatment for these include intramuscular epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids.
There is still no evidence that bed bugs can transmit human pathogens. However, they are responsible for significant psychological distress, have produced anemia when abundant, and have contributed to the triggering of asthmatic reactions.
Key Takeaways
Bed bugs may not be a daily concern for the general public, but when the problem occurs, it can cause discomfort and distress.
Appearing in the cracks and crevices of beds, bed frames, and items around a bed, bugs can be transported via clothes, luggage, and furniture, among others. Bed bugs only require a warm host and they can proceed to bite the exposed skin of humans and animals.
There’s no proof that bed bites can transmit diseases. However, their mere presence, and the reactions that their bites induce can leave psychological distress and physical discomfort. The good news is that there are answers in how to treat bed bug bites. We can treat them with topical ointments and over-the-counter solutions. For more serious cases, the patient needs to consult a doctor.
Learn more about Skin Health here.
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