Bed bugs are parasites that live in mattresses, carpets or furniture, and feed on blood during the night. Areas with high nighttime turnover in beds, such as hotels and hospitals, have an increased risk for having bed bugs, according to MayoClinic.com. Normally, bed bug bites resolve spontaneously within 1 to 2 weeks without treatment, but treatment options may help decrease healing time.
Cleaning the Bite
After discovering a bed bug bite, an individual needs to clean the bite area with soap and warm water, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Keeping the bites clean may help prevent infection if the bite gets scratched open. Symptoms of an infection that occurs from scratching may include increased redness and green drainage from the bite wound, and a fever.
Topical Treatment
Bed bug bites may cause an itch. Topical treatments may help control the pain and itching from the bites. Applying ice for 10 minutes at a time to the bite may control the inflammation and pain. Topical creams that contain over-the-counter medications such as hydrocortisone or an antihistamine may also help control the itching. Antibiotic creams may help treat a minor infection caused by scratching the bite area.
Oral Medication
Oral medication may help treat the irritation from bed bug bites covering large areas of the body, or for those causing pain or severe itchiness. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen can help relieve the pain of the bites. Taking an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine may relieve severe itching. Individuals need to follow orders from a physician or package instructions for dosage information on the medications.
