Bed bugs are small insects that live by sucking the blood of other living things. Bed bugs usually live in remote and humid places and are relatively active foraging at night. Bed bugs use their body’s heat sensors to find their food source. Some sources state that bed bugs can suck blood three times a day, but research conducted by Cornell University states that this is just a myth. In fact, bedbugs can withstand hunger for up to a year, so the assumption that bedbugs need to ‘eat’ three times a day cannot be confirmed.
However, this does not reduce the horror of the shadow of a group of bed bugs that suck human blood every day. According to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when bed bugs bite the human body, they secrete anesthetic fluid. and anticoagulants that can prevent blood clots. So that bed bugs can suck blood and avoid possible itching and discomfort that humans immediately feel when these insects bite.
When finished sucking blood, the saliva left on the human skin then stimulates the itching that was previously suppressed. Unbearable itching will subconsciously provoke a response to scratch the bitten area. This then causes the bite marks to become more visible and can even cause swelling to make an impression on the skin.
How to get rid of bed bugs on humans? To prevent swelling to wounds on the skin, it is necessary to take preventive measures to treat bed bug bites. Here, some actions that can reduce the itching or other side effects can be seen below.
Don’t scratch the skin
This method may be very difficult to do especially if you are bitten at night. But it can be a preventive measure if it occurs while you are still awake. Avoiding scratching the itchy area can prevent skin sores from occurring. Some if done too hard can cause swelling. Wounds that appear due to biting marks can also leave dark spots on the skin which you certainly don’t want, especially for women. That is how to get rid of bed bugs on the skin.
Read other guides fully at How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Wash the skin with soap
American Dermatology states that soap is considered effective enough to relieve itching caused by bed bug bites. This method can be an initial treatment and can be done anywhere. You only need to wash the itchy skin area and then rinse using running water until clean. It is recommended for those of you who have dry and sensitive skin to use a mild and gentle soap to avoid irritation to the skin.
Put an ice cube on the skin
The easiest way to relieve itching on the body due to bed bug bites is to put ice cubes on the skin. American Dermatology states that ice cubes are considered to help relieve the effects of bites and relieve itching on the skin. You only need to prepare an ice pack or ice that has been coated with a small towel and then place it on the itchy skin area. Leave it for 10 minutes or until the itching begins to subside.
Aloe vera
This plant with a million benefits in addition to functioning to moisturize, aloe vera can also be used to relieve itching on the skin. The use of aloe vera without a mixture of chemicals is considered to give an effect faster and work optimally. You can also use fresh aloe vera and apply the liquid gel directly to your skin. This method is considered safe because it uses ingredients derived from plants.
Lemon
It is no stranger to finding many itchy relief products made from lemon. Lemon is known to relieve itching and redness because it contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. To relieve itching using lemon, you need to prepare one lemon that has been cut in half.
Then squeeze the lemon juice into a clean glass or bowl. After that, dip a cotton swab in the juice and apply it to the itchy skin. This method is not recommended for those of you who have open wounds due to scratching the skin. If you get injured, you will feel very severe pain and it is also possible that the wound will get worse.
Oatmeals
In addition to being one of the foods that contain high carbohydrates, oatmeal is also used as a basic ingredient in several cosmetic products. The cellulose in oatmeal can help soothe skin conditions and reduce itching. Other ingredients, such as vitamin E, also have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling. So oatmeals can be one way to deal with itching due to bed bug bites.
To be able to take advantage of oatmeals as an itch reliever staple, you need to mix oatmeals in bath water. The trick is, to puree one cup of oatmeals until it becomes a powder then mix the powdered oatmeals into the bath. After that, you need to soak for 30 minutes until the itching disappears. You can also apply oatmeal to the particular itchy skin area for maximum results.
Essential oils
Essential oils contain anti-microbial and antiseptic properties so they can eliminate bed bugs that trigger itching on the skin. Using basic ingredients from plants, this method is widely chosen as a way to deal with itching due to bed bugs. Some essential oils that can help relieve itching are:
- Lavender oil, which serves to relieve itching due to bed bug bites
- Basil oil, contains anti-inflammatory so it can help reduce redness and swelling caused by bed bug bites. This is how to get rid of bed bug bumps.
- Tea tree oil reduces itching and swelling while killing bacteria to avoid infection
- Chamomile oil can reduce redness and irritation
Before you apply any essential oils, make sure you clean your skin and only use the oil that is safe for your skin. It is because some people may have allergies to certain essential oils and this is what we need to consider. Applying inappropriate essential oils may create other problems for our health.
Itching relieve cream
Itching creams on the market generally contain zinc oxide and iron oxide which can provide a cool feeling on the skin and relieve itching due to insect bites including bed bugs. In addition, itchy relief cream also serves to keep the skin from irritation and infection. This is how to get rid of bed bug scars on the skin.
Some products that can relieve itching are antihistamines, calamine lotion, colloidal oatmeal, 1% hydrocortisone, lanolin (not suitable for everyone who has allergies to certain things), and similar. These products are proven to relieve itching and bite marks in a few days. This product can also reduce itching due to shingles, chickenpox, hives, poison ivy, and mosquito bites.
Go to the doctor
If the skin condition is swollen and infected, it is highly recommended for you to immediately consult a doctor for your condition. You need to consult a doctor to find out what measures need to be taken to relieve itching, infection, or swelling on your skin caused by bed bugs.
You also need to consider the use of creams and oils and whether the ingredients contained in the product are safe and will not trigger your allergies. The use of drugs without the advice and appropriate dosage from a doctor can also be quite risky for your health. So if it is necessary and your condition worsens, we recommend that you immediately contact the nearest doctor.
Well, that is how to get rid of bed bugs in a person. This is important to note that those points mentioned above are the first aid to deal with bed bugs bite. Make sure to know your allergy before applying one of those points because it can make your condition even worse.
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