Bedbugs are insects that live in bedding and mattresses. These small, flat bugs stay out of sight during the day and come out at night to feed on the blood of their host. After eradication in the 1940s, the reddish-brown parasite made a resurgence due to the banning of the pesticide DDT because of its toxicity in the environment. Hotels, dormitories and military barracks have an increased risk of having bedbugs due to the overturn in population. Symptoms of a bedbug bite include a reddened, itchy bump usually found in clusters or in a line.
Topical Treatment
The first treatment for a bedbug bite is washing the skin with a mild soap and water to cleanse the area. Generally, the itching, redness and irritation associated with a bite from a bedbug will go away within two weeks, according to MayoClinic.com. For faster relief from the bite, applying some over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help ease the symptoms. Using a product such as calamine lotion will also help the itch.
Oral Medications
Over-the-counter antihistamine medications, such as diphenhydramine, can help treat the bedbug bites. The oral medication treats the inflammation and allergic reaction to the bite. Due to the extreme itching of the bites, some individuals may scratch open the skin and develop a bacterial infection in the wound. Symptoms of a skin infection include increased redness in an around the wound, drainage or pus from the area and increased pain. Oral antibiotic tablets treat the bacterial infection.
Bedbug Removal
In addition to treating the bites from the bedbugs, treating the mattress and surrounding areas will help eradicate the bugs from the house. The first step in bedbug removal is washing all infested clothing and bed linen in hot water with detergent and then placing them in the dryer. Thoroughly vacuuming around the room helps remove bedbugs from some hiding places. Separating the mattress and box springs will allow better access to the entire surface of the bed for applying insecticide. A professional exterminator may be best to treat the bedbugs, because they can survive for months without eating, according to MayoClinic.com. Exterminators have several treatment options for removing the bedbugs besides pesticide. Other options include heating or freezing the bedbugs as well as using steam. In the end, the disposal of the infested mattress, sofa or other furniture may be the only effective treatment for the bedbugs.
