How should a bedbug bite be treated? - briefly
Clean the bite with mild soap and water, apply a cold compress to lessen swelling, and treat itching with an over‑the‑counter antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream; seek medical care if severe inflammation or an allergic reaction develops.
How should a bedbug bite be treated? - in detail
Bed bug bites usually appear as small, red, itchy papules that may develop a central punctum. Reactions range from mild redness to pronounced swelling and, in some individuals, a blister‑like eruption. The primary goal of care is to reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and prevent secondary infection.
- Gently wash the affected area with mild soap and lukewarm water to remove any residual debris and reduce bacterial load.
- Apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10‑15 minutes, repeating every hour as needed, to diminish swelling and numb the itch.
- Take an oral antihistamine (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg or diphenhydramine 25‑50 mg) to control histamine‑mediated itching; follow dosing instructions on the label or a pharmacist’s advice.
- Use a topical corticosteroid cream (hydrocortisone 1 % or a stronger prescription preparation if available) applied thinly to the bite, no more than two to three times daily, to curb inflammation.
- If itching is severe, a topical anesthetic containing pramoxine or lidocaine can be applied for short‑term relief.
- Keep fingernails trimmed and avoid scratching; apply a protective bandage if lesions are prone to irritation.
Seek professional medical evaluation if any of the following occur: rapid expansion of redness, pus formation, fever, severe pain, or an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat. A clinician may prescribe oral corticosteroids, stronger antihistamines, or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is evident.
After symptom control, monitor the site for several days. Persistent lesions that do not improve within a week warrant reassessment. Prompt, systematic care minimizes discomfort and reduces the risk of complications from bed bug bites.