How can bedbug bites be treated quickly at home? - briefly
Wash the affected skin with mild soap and cool water, then apply a cold compress to lessen swelling. Apply an over‑the‑counter hydrocortisone cream or take an oral antihistamine to control itching and inflammation.
How can bedbug bites be treated quickly at home? - in detail
Bedbug bite relief can be achieved within minutes using readily available household items and over‑the‑counter products. Begin with a cold compress: apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb the area. Follow with a soothing topical agent such as 1 % hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or a paste made from baking soda and water; apply thinly and re‑apply every 2–3 hours. Antihistamine tablets (e.g., diphenhydramine 25 mg) taken orally help control itching and histamine response; dosage should follow package instructions.
For additional comfort, consider these options:
- Aloe vera gel – cool, anti‑inflammatory, applied twice daily.
- Diluted tea tree oil – 1 % solution applied with a cotton swab; avoid undiluted oil to prevent irritation.
- Oatmeal bath – colloidal oatmeal mixed in lukewarm water for 15 minutes, then pat skin dry.
- Over‑the‑counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to lessen discomfort.
Maintain hygiene to prevent secondary infection: wash the affected zone gently with mild soap and water, then pat dry. Keep fingernails trimmed and avoid scratching; if accidental scratching occurs, clean the wound and apply an antiseptic ointment. Monitor for signs of infection—red streaks, increasing warmth, pus, or fever—and seek medical attention if they appear.
To sustain relief, repeat the cold compress and topical treatments every few hours for the first day, then switch to a once‑or‑twice‑daily schedule as symptoms improve. Persistence with antihistamines and moisturizers helps the skin recover while minimizing lingering itch.