How to Treat Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bite healing process:

• Bites will usually heal in one to two weeks if left to heal properly.
• To help with swelling, pain, and itching, consider use OTC pain relievers.
• Applying anti-itch creams with hydrocortisone can aid the healing process.

Treating Bed Bug Bites

The key to quickly recovering from bed bug bites is to let them heal properly. When you are bitten, make sure to wash the area with water and mild soap. If itchiness occurs immediately, consider leaving the soap on the site of the bites without rinsing for a few minutes. Washing the bed bug bites properly can help prevent secondary skin infections down the line.

Three things to help alleviate pain and discomfort of bed bug bites:

1. Following instructions on the label, apply anti-itch creams that contain hydrocortisone.
2. Also consider applying calamine lotion on bites to relieve itching, which also protects the skin in the healing process.
3. If necessary, take OTC pain relievers to help with pain related to the bite. Oral antihistamines can also help control any allergic reaction (but always proceed with permission from your doctor).

How Long Does it Take for Bites to Heal?

If you let the bites heal without irritation (scratching), bites will go away in one to two weeks. As tempting as it is, it’s crucial to never scratch at the bites. Scratching can hinder the healing process and even make the bites more inflamed and vulnerable to other skin infections! For people that are more sensitive to insect bites, healing may take a little bit longer. Bottom line, bed bug bites heal over time on their own.

Going to the Doctor’s Office for Bed Bug Bites

In almost every case, bed bug bites will heal over time without any severe symptoms. If your bed bug bites get noticeably worse, always consult a medical professional. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment for dealing with bed bug bites and tell you how to let them heal in time.