How to treat injuries from bedbug bites? - briefly
Clean the bite site with mild soap and water, apply a cold compress to lessen swelling, and treat itching with an over‑the‑counter antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream; if redness spreads, pain intensifies, or signs of infection appear, consult a healthcare professional.
How to treat injuries from bedbug bites? - in detail
Bedbug bites typically appear as small, red, raised spots that may itch or swell. Prompt cleaning reduces the risk of infection. Wash the affected area with mild soap and lukewarm water, then pat dry. Applying a cool compress for several minutes alleviates swelling and discomfort.
For itching, use over‑the‑counter antihistamine tablets (e.g., diphenhydramine 25 mg) or a topical antihistamine cream. A low‑potency corticosteroid ointment (hydrocortisone 1 %) applied two to three times daily further diminishes inflammation. If the skin becomes painful, warm, or develops pus, a topical antibiotic such as mupirocin 2 % should be applied for up to seven days.
Systemic antibiotics are warranted only when bacterial infection spreads beyond the bite site, indicated by expanding redness, fever, or lymph node enlargement. In such cases, seek medical evaluation; a prescribed course of oral antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin 500 mg three times daily) may be necessary.
Individuals with severe allergic reactions—rapid swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or hives—require immediate emergency care. An intramuscular injection of epinephrine is the first‑line response, followed by professional monitoring.
To prevent secondary irritation, keep fingernails trimmed and avoid scratching. Covering the bite with a breathable dressing can protect the skin while it heals. Most lesions resolve within one to two weeks; persistent discoloration or scarring may benefit from a dermatologist’s assessment and possible use of silicone gel sheets or laser therapy.
Continual exposure to bedbugs prolongs skin trauma. Eliminating the insects from the sleeping environment—through thorough vacuuming, laundering bedding at ≥ 60 °C, and applying approved insecticides—stops new bites and reduces the overall burden of skin injury.