How to treat bed bug bites: photos of bites on the body of children, treatment, pregnant women

Bed bugs and their impact

An encounter with bed bugs can happen unexpectedly: during the day, the insects hide securely, so it is difficult to predict their appearance. Bedbugs live up to one and a half years, but they can go hungry almost their entire lives: this helps them wait in the wings in hotels and rented apartments. Bites occur on the bodies of victims at night, usually between 3 and 5 am, when people sleep the deepest. If pests have the opportunity to feed, they will drink blood every day or two, and females lay eggs daily.

You can get rid of bedbugs with a full guarantee only by treating the premises with special services; if the attack has already occurred, all that remains is to apply ointment to the affected area against itching, inflammation or infection of the wound.

Features of bites

To bite, insects choose places with thinner skin, more often attack areas of the body without hair, and prefer the delicate integument of women and children. The bug attack itself usually goes unnoticed by the sleeping person, and only in the morning can a person feel itching and notice places of redness on the skin. Bed bug bites look like a series of marks that are arranged in a line and are located 1-1.5 cm apart from each other. This distinguishes them from the chaotic location of flea bites. Depending on the state of health and individual susceptibility, the victim may suffer from burning, swelling and swelling. The traces of the attack itch unbearably. The latter can lead to infection in the wounds that form when scratching the damaged area of ​​the skin, and the development of pustular diseases.

The unpleasant effects of a bug bite are caused by insect enzymes that enter the bloodstream when it feeds.

For some people, the bites cause no skin reactions at all, while others experience a severe allergy attack.

In some cases, marks appear on the body only after a few days. Sometimes pathogens of dangerous infections enter the human body with the saliva of a bug: for example, hepatitis B. The number of bites also creates problems: the insect makes new attempts until it finds a blood vessel suitable for feeding.

What do bedbug bites look like?

At first glance, bedbug bites can easily be confused with the bites of other insects, such as mosquitoes, or with a nettle sting, however, the bites left by bedbugs still have some distinctive features that make it possible to accurately determine who they belong to.

What do bedbug bites look like?

• A bedbug bite appears as a red, dense dot, measuring 0.1 to 1 millimeter in diameter.
• Several of them always appear and form paths of red dots.
• If you scratch the bites, large red spots appear around them due to skin irritation.
• Scratched bites look like bleeding spots on the body and may leave a scattering of small scars.

If you still have a vague idea of ​​what bedbug bites look like, a photo of them will help clarify your ideas about the nature of the damage.

Effect of medicines against bites

Without treatment, bedbug bites disappear on average in 3-5 days, sometimes earlier. If the patient has a severe allergy, or the scratched wounds become infected, recovery may require several weeks. When choosing a suitable ointment for treatment, you need to pay attention to the following effects of the medicine:

• relieving itching and irritation;
• restoration of integument, wound healing;
• reduction of allergic reactions;
• fight against microorganisms.

The most popular are ointments created to treat allergies: they reduce swelling and itching, and have a cooling effect. Good results are also shown by means used to quickly relieve inflammation: for example, ointments with glucocorticoids. The disadvantage of such drugs is their negative effect on the adrenal glands; Use hormonal medications with caution. An antibiotic ointment can help protect against infection: for example, Erythromycin.

The choice of the best ointment is influenced by the range of beneficial actions, suitability for treating insect bites, safety, popularity and price. The most beneficial and frequently used remedies will be discussed first; good results and safety often come with high cost. Cheaper ointments can also effectively relieve the symptoms of a bite and deserve a place in the home medicine cabinet, but if handled incorrectly they can cause harm.

How to treat bedbug bites on the human body?

Anyone who has encountered the problem of bed bugs in their apartment or country house asks this question - how to treat bedbug bites on the human body? This problem has been around for many hundreds of years, maybe even millennia. The importance of its solution – the effective treatment of bedbug bites – is determined by many factors, the main one of which is concern for the physical health of the person himself and his family members. Before we understand how to cure bedbug bites, let’s briefly look at whether it is really necessary to treat bedbug bites, or whether it is enough to wait until they, as they say, go away on their own.

First, we need to talk about how to determine that a bite you find on your skin is a bug bite. What are the main signs of a bed bug bite on a person?

Symptoms of a bedbug bite

1) There are several bites on the skin and they are located in a line, in the form of a path, with the distance between bites being, on average, 1-1.5 centimeters;

2) The bite sites are very swollen, you feel itchy pain or the skin “burns”;

3) The size of the bite on the skin is approximately 5-10 millimeters;

4) The greatest number of bites occurs in people with thin skin (usually children and girls). This symptom of a bedbug bite can be assessed, as you understand, only if there is someone to compare with;

5) You cannot detect mosquitoes in your apartment and at night you do not hear their characteristic squeak, and the number of bites increases;

6) A person is not helped by treatment with numerous remedies for allergies, for which he at first could have mistaken bed bug bites;

7) New bites appear after a night's sleep, and there are small blood stains on the linen. The latter circumstance explains that, unlike, for example, the same mosquitoes, house bugs, when bitten, do not release a blood-clotting enzyme into the human skin. In addition, in the immediate vicinity of the sofa you began to find small dark particles - bed bug excrement;

In the room (room), you can smell cognac - bedbugs secrete a strong-smelling enzyme from their glands, which attracts individuals of the opposite sex.

If at least 3 out of 8 signs match your case, rest assured – these are symptoms of a bug bite. We certainly recommend treating bedbug bites on the human body, since the consequences of bedbug bites on a person can be different, including very serious.

Are bedbug bites dangerous for humans?

In order to understand why bedbug bites are dangerous for humans, it is necessary to explain that the main threat from bedbugs is due to the fact that this parasite feeds on the blood of humans or animals. Accordingly, the insect, with its small but very sharp jaws, breaks the skin and sucks out several milliliters of blood. At the same time, the bug can introduce microbes and infections into the human body, some of which can be the causative agents of quite serious infectious diseases. Naturally, the disease is not a necessary consequence of a bedbug bite, since it is not clear what your pet bedbug came into contact with, as well as how strong the immune system of the human body is. However, the possibility of infection exists. To the question of why bedbug bites are dangerous for humans, there are 3 answers:

1) House bugs can carry infectious diseases. The algorithm for infecting a person is described above. Among the possible diseases are a viral liver disease - hepatitis, an infectious lung disease - tuberculosis and, dangerous for its complications on various body systems - smallpox;

2) Various allergic reactions that can be caused by bedbug bites. Are allergies in themselves dangerous? No, but it greatly complicates and spoils a person’s normal life;

3) Bedbug bites deprive a person of normal sleep. The bed bug is nocturnal, and with this way of life, it endangers the human nervous system, turning the process of sleep into a kind of medieval torture.

Having clarified why the consequences of a bedbug bite are dangerous for a person and their symptoms, let’s move on to the main topic of our story - how to cure bedbug bites.

How to treat bedbug bites on the human body?

Treatment of bedbug bites, like any other bites, should combine 2 main areas of influence. The first is a disinfecting anti-infective effect, the second is the elimination of itching, burning, redness and other marks from bedbug bites. At the moment, remedies for bedbug bites for the skin can be divided into several main groups:

1) Medicines for bedbug bites in the form of tablets. Before treating bedbug bites with tablets, we recommend trying other options. Like any other medications, antihistamines that will be used for treatment in this case have side effects and it is better to consult a doctor before using them. In general, these drugs help prevent allergic reactions from bed bug bites and reduce itching and redness on the skin.

The most well-known representatives of antihistamines available for purchase without a prescription are Suprastin, Telfast, Diazolin, Erius;

2) Preparations for the treatment of bedbug bites on the skin in the form of ointments or gels. Treating bedbug bites on the human body with ointments and gels is much better than relying only on tablets. The effect of ointments is gentler and safer than that of antihistamines. The therapeutic effect is the accelerated healing of damaged skin, relieving itching and burning.

Among the modern drugs, GEKTOR Ointment can be distinguished.

The product is from the manufacturer of the powder drug GEKTOR. Created specifically to soothe the skin after bed bug bites, that is, it copes with the main problem - irritating itching, which provokes scratching of the bite site. Contains plant extracts and essential oils.

Alternative options - Erythromycin ointment, Fenistil-gel (not recommended for the treatment of bites in children under 12 months of age) , Bepanten, Epidel (cannot be used immediately after a bug bite) , Cikaderma ;

3) Traditional (folk) remedies. As we said at the beginning of this article, the problem of combating bed bugs has existed for a very long time. Accordingly, over such a long period of time, people have developed many ways of how and how to treat bedbug bites on the body. All of them help to moisturize and soften the skin, speed up the healing of damage and calm the nervous system oppressed by house bugs.

– Take a warm, but not too hot, bath. Warm water will soothe skin damaged by parasites;

– Compresses or lotions with a solution of St. John’s wort and chamomile. Apply the solution to the bedbug bites with cotton pads or gauze;

- Mint herb. To treat a bug bite, you need to rub mint grass on the bite sites. In addition to the healing effect, it has an analgesic effect;

– A solution of vinegar and water. MUST be a solution with water, otherwise you will burn your skin. The solution is applied to the skin using cotton wool; the product disinfects the site of the bug bite, reduces irritation and dries the skin.

At the same time, any reasonable person understands that rather than treating bedbug bites, it is better to simply prevent them. The most effective means of combating the bites of these insects is the destruction of bedbugs in Moscow with a Guarantee using professional pest control of apartments. The ENGINEER service company has significant experience in combating these parasites in apartments in the Capital; we will be happy to advise you on any questions related to pest control by calling + 7 (495) 120-4435. Reception and execution of applications daily, seven days a week from 8.30 to 22.00.

Fenistil - anti-allergy gel

Fenistil is considered one of the most popular remedies for tick and flea bites. Dimetindene maleate in its composition blocks H1 receptors for histamine, which helps the product quickly relieve allergy symptoms at the site of the bite. The gel relieves itching, swelling and pain. Its price is moderate and its security is high. Fenistil can help children from 1 month of life, and it is not suitable only for prostate hyperplasia, angle-closure glaucoma and hypersensitivity to the composition.

Fenistil gel starts working within a few minutes, and shows maximum effect after 1-4 hours.

The only known adverse reactions are burning, dryness and allergic dermatitis in case of intolerance. You need to smear marks from bedbug bites 2-4 times a day. If the itching is unbearable, Fenistil can also be taken orally: the pharmacy sells allergy drops with the same name. The drug is suitable for pregnant women, but with reservations: in the first trimester, caution is needed, and in later stages, only single bites can be treated with the gel. Pregnant women should not apply it to a large surface area of ​​the skin.

Which dosage form of the drug should you prefer?

If you have bedbugs at home, it means that blood-sucking insects greedily attack you at night, leaving you with a feeling of discomfort and the question arises: what remedy for bedbug bites should you prefer for your skin?

A bite is a violation of the integrity of the skin caused by the jaw apparatus of an insect. The skin reaction to insect bites will vary from person to person. Some are easily tolerated and do not attempt to heal the wound. Others experience redness or swelling at the site of the bite. The area may burn, hurt, and itch.

Ointments help relieve discomfort after an insect bite. Heals wounds faster. Accelerates cell regeneration. Relieves itching, inflammation, swelling, redness. Disinfected. Prevent allergic reactions.

Ointments vary in the degree of absorption. For example, an antihistamine is absorbed more slowly than others, but it is not less effective.

To get rid of ailments caused by insect bites, many use ointments. A lot depends on your budget, personal preferences and habits.

The following medicinal ointments are considered the most effective:

• "Advantan". Thanks to the hormone contained in the drug, effectiveness occurs quickly.
• Akriderm. Contains hormone. The itching and burning will go away quickly. Relieves swelling. Used against mosquito bites, fleas and bed bugs.
• "Bepanten." Characterized by anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
• "Hydrocortisone." This is a glucocorticosteroid. Relieves swelling, itching and burning. Relieves allergy symptoms.
• "Levomikol". Has an antibiotic. Wound healing occurs quickly. Eliminates inflammatory processes, accelerates regenerative ones. Has antimicrobial properties.
• “Menovazin” is famous for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties due to the menthol it contains. This brings a feeling of anesthesia.
• "Nezulin." The cream is popular due to its natural composition. Can be used by children. Endowed with bactericidal action. Relieves itching. It contains substances that repel insects.
• "Rescuer". Relieves irritation. Treats many diseases of the dermis. Should be in every home.
• "Fenistil". The gel is suitable for adults and children. Has an antihistamine effect. Eliminates itching and inflammation.

There are many other medications used to treat insect bites. They are selected based on the patient’s personal preferences and doctor’s recommendations.

Psilo-balm is a competitor to Fenistil

A gel called Psilo-balm is another allergy drug at a reasonable price. The H1-histamine receptor blocker in its composition is called diphenhydramine, and the effect is almost similar to the effects of Fenistil. You will need to smear the bites with Psilo-balm more often: it should be applied 3-4 times a day, in a thin layer, using 2-3 grams of the product. The result of application will be a reduction in swelling, a cooling effect and a reduction in itching. Gels differ from ointments in the composition of their base: they are quickly absorbed and easily washed off clothes, but they protect the skin for less time.

Despite the small number of adverse reactions and contraindications, Psilo-balm is considered a potent remedy. When applied to large areas of skin, excessive amounts of the drug may be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing dry mouth and confusion. During treatment you should not drive a car, drink alcohol or spend time in the sun. Psilo-balm is not contraindicated for pregnant women, but they need to monitor their condition.

Bepanthen for skin healing

Unlike the gels above, Bepanten is not intended to treat allergies. Its popularity in getting rid of bite marks is due to its safety and participation in skin regeneration. The product works due to dexpanthenol, which is converted into pantothenic acid in skin cells and is involved in wound healing and improves metabolism. The safety of Bepanten allows it to be used in the treatment of diaper rash in infants, as well as dry nipples in mothers. There is no reason for pregnant women to refuse the ointment.

To heal the skin, Bepanten should be applied to wounds 1 or 2 times a day.

The product is available in the form of ointment and cream. The ointment is absorbed slowly, leaves marks on clothing, but protects the treated areas longer. The cream begins to work faster and is gentle on the skin, but its effectiveness may be slightly lower. The main disadvantage of Bepanten in the fight against bites is its weak effect on itching and inflammation: the ointment softens irritation, but this is not its main effect.

Review of effective remedies

The following medications can be used for bites of all blood-sucking insects, including bedbugs, they will help relieve redness and relieve itching. Each product comes with brief instructions for use and reviews from customers who used it after bedbug bites.

Akriderm ointment

Akriderm ointment has antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and antimicrobial effects. It is recommended to apply it to skin damaged by bedbug bites in a thin, even layer and lightly rub until it is completely absorbed. Akriderm is used as a course lasting 2–4 weeks according to a doctor’s prescription.

The cost of a package (30 grams) is 100–150 rubles.

Fenistil gel

Gel "Fenistil" is one of the best antipruritic agents, since its active substance blocks histamine receptors that provoke itching. To treat bites, you need to apply the gel twice a day. The drug has a contraindication: it cannot be used to treat children under one year of age.

Costs around 350–500 rubles.

Cream Afloderm

Afloderm hormonal cream has a light consistency, is quickly absorbed by the skin and does not leave greasy stains on clothes. Its active components have antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic effects. The cream is rubbed into the skin until it is completely absorbed. The course lasts several days.

The price varies from 450 to 500 rubles.

Balm Golden Star (Asterisk)

Balm “Golden Star”, or in common parlance “star”, is made on the basis of natural extracts that work as an antipruritic complex. The balm has been familiar to everyone since Soviet times; its use was limitless.

The average cost is 80 rubles.

Cream Elidel

Elidel cream is very effective not only for dermatitis, but also for inflammation caused by insect bites, as it blocks the release of histamine. It is recommended to use the product 2 times a day, rubbing in with light movements until it is completely absorbed by the skin. The manufacturer writes that the cream can be used by children from 3 months old, but in other countries it is allowed only from 2 years old, or is even prohibited! There are many messages on the forums that this hormonal drug can severely suppress the immune system, so be careful and carefully study reviews about the drug before purchasing.

The drug is quite expensive: 900–1200 rubles.

Elidel - an expensive cream for eczema

Elidel contains pimecrolimus, and although popular as a treatment for bites, this drug was originally intended to combat atopic dermatitis. The substance works at the level of T-lymphocytes and mast cells, preventing them from releasing inflammatory mediators. It enters the bloodstream in small quantities, which helps the cream act selectively on the skin, coping with inflammation and itching. Elidel can be applied to any part of the body, including the face and neck; Low suction allows you to smear an arbitrarily large area. Frequency of application: twice a day. In combination with alcohol, Elidel can cause a rash, swelling, redness of the face and itching.

The cream can be used from 3 months. Its disadvantages are high price and side effects. Sometimes the product causes a burning sensation at the site of application, a rash, and changes in pigmentation. The effect on the immune system can manifest itself in the form of exacerbation of herpes, the development of molluscum contagiosum - another viral infection of the skin, the appearance of boils and papillomas. Very rarely, the use of Elidel led to neoplasms; If you have a weakened immune system or have skin infections, you shouldn’t use it.

How to get rid of bites using folk remedies

Pharmaceutical drugs are not always suitable for treatment. If an allergy to the active components develops or the ointment cannot be used after a bedbug bite due to a number of contraindications (for example, special means are required for children), the affected areas of the outer skin must be treated in other ways:

1. Onion. This is a decongestant, analgesic, and has a calming effect. It is peeled, cut and applied to damaged areas, but the duration of action is at least 4 hours.
2. Compresses based on chamomile and calendula. Prepare an infusion or decoction: 2 tbsp. l. raw materials per 1 glass of water. Wet a rag and apply it to the injured outer skin.
3. Vinegar (9%). It does not need to be diluted with water. Treat red spots with a cotton pad soaked in vinegar.
4. Salt. It is dissolved in cold water, component ratio: 4 tbsp. l. and 1 glass of liquid.
5. Laundry soap. Use crushed detergent. A thick paste is applied to the affected areas. This product is left on the skin until the symptoms disappear or the mass hardens. Then you can repeat the procedure.

Bug bite marks

Cikaderma - a representative of homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies can also help with bites. Cikaderma - an ointment based on vaseline extract from calendula, St. John's wort and yarrow; Additionally, the composition includes matrix tinctures of wild rosemary and lumbago. The effect is associated with the complex effect of all plant components. The ointment is intended for accelerated healing of burns, minor injuries and marks from insect attacks. Restrictions on its use are associated with open wounds, weeping dermatitis and age under 1 year.

Apply ointment 1 or 2 times a day; Since such a product is absorbed for a long time, if necessary, a bandage can be applied to the damaged area. The use of Cycadrema reduces inflammation, itching and pain, and its advantage is its relatively low price. The ointment can be used for no longer than 7 days. During therapy, you should not stay in the sun for a long time or be exposed to other types of ultraviolet radiation. The body may react undesirably to the ointment with manifestations of allergies, and pregnant women can use it only in special cases.

How to treat

In order to most effectively cope with symptoms when their first signs appear, treatment of bedbug bites should include the use of both external and internal remedies. External agents include special ointments, gels and creams. They are used to smear bites, relieve severe itching and disinfect the wound, speed up the healing process. Antihistamines are taken internally. Treatment with antibiotics is possible. They will help the body overcome allergies and alleviate the condition in general.

Ointments and creams to relieve symptoms:

• Afloderm ointment is a corticosteroid for topical use. It should be used with the drug Tavegil, which will protect against an allergic reaction. Eliminates itching. One of the advantages is the vasoconstrictor effect. Can be used by children from six months. Contraindications – acne. Also not recommended for use in the eye area.
• Vietnamese Star. Disinfects house bug bites. Plus – the drug is completely natural and cheap. Use if you are intolerant to other drugs. Not recommended for use by children under three years of age.
• Menovazin - if you are allergic to bed bug bites or if there are a lot of them on your body. The advantage is that it relieves pain well. Rub into affected areas 3 times a day. Contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to novocaine.

Fenistil Gel is a well-known drug sold in all pharmacies. It contains an active substance - dimethindene maleate, which blocks receptors that cause redness and blisters. Indications for use are skin irritation, severe itching, burning.

Important: do not use on children under 1 year of age. Avoid direct sunlight during treatment.

Tavegil – antiallergic drug, flat white tablets

One of the most effective medicines recommended for use for any insect bites. The active substance is clemastine hydrofumarate. Take before meals with a glass of water. To enhance the effect, it can be used together with calcium gluconate. Side effects - possible drowsiness and headache.

Suprastin. In addition to being antiallergic, it has a sedative effect, which is its advantage. The maximum daily dose is 100 mg. Prohibited for use in case of myocardial infarction, anemia, gastric ulcer.

Folk remedies

Bedbugs, ticks, fleas and other pests have been a serious problem in the past. Through trial and error, over a long period of time, people have developed effective means to combat them. Ice or raw meat can be applied to the bite site to relieve symptoms. A compress of tea, green or herbal will help. You shouldn't use it all night, a couple of hours will do. The onion can relieve irritation. You need to apply it with the cut part up all night.

If the above does not help, you can try herbal lotions. For example, St. John's wort. The recipe for such a lotion is extremely simple. It is necessary to crush, dry the herb, and then brew one spoon in a glass of boiling water. Moisten a cloth with the tincture and apply to the bite area overnight. Another simple and affordable way is to soak a cotton swab in garlic juice and treat the wound. This will help remove the swelling.

Hormonal ointments

Ointments with glucocorticosteroids are good because they can quickly relieve inflammation, and the price of many of them is modest. Unfortunately, any drugs containing hormones must be treated with caution: when absorbed into the blood, they can affect the functioning of the adrenal glands and cause their failure. Other dangerous side effects are decreased resistance to infections and visual impairment.

• Afloderm
  - an expensive, but relatively mild remedy with alklometasone. Side effects from a cream or ointment are extremely rare and are usually associated with skin irritation or secondary infections. The product can be used from 6 months; At the same time, it is important to know that the absorption of the active substance by the skin of a child is higher than that of an adult, and diapers and diapers can enhance it. This effect requires caution.

• Akriderm
  is usually used for dermatitis and psoriasis, but in an emergency you can also anoint a bite. The price is average, it should be used for no longer than 3 weeks, including rubbing into itchy areas 1-2 times a day. Up to 12 years of age, the use of Akriderm is limited.

Hydrocortisone is the cheapest. The ointment is applied to the skin 2-3 times a day; like any hormonal ointment, it should not be applied to the eyes. Pregnant women should not treat bites in this way, and children require special attention due to the increased chance of getting problems with the adrenal cortex.

Folk remedies for treating bedbug bites

The following folk remedies can help with bedbug bites, as well as with insect bites in general:

1. Treat the bite site with juice from mint leaves. Relaxes and relieves pain.
2. Mash dandelions and tie them to the bite areas.
3. Moisten the bite areas with a sponge soaked in urine. Relieves itching and swelling well.
4. Apply a cotton wool or swab soaked in garlic juice to the bitten areas. This will not only soothe irritation and relieve pain, but will also prevent swelling.
5. Parsley leaves can also relieve swelling and pain from touching bite sites.
6. A plantain or bird cherry leaf is applied to the bite site and left for 2-3 hours. After that, the bite sites are treated with a concentrated solution of baking soda.
7. Cut the onion into several pieces and apply the cut side to the bite areas overnight.

If your children have suffered from bedbug bites and they try to scratch the bites, they should wash the affected areas of the body with warm water and soap. Blisters can be anointed with mint toothpaste or a solution of ammonia mixed halfway with water.

It is important to remember that in addition to treating bedbugs, it is possible to use short-term bedbug repellents

Other possible options

A list of the best ointments cannot be complete without cheap and popular products with limited use. One of these is Erythromycin ointment, which contains a substance that disrupts protein synthesis by the bacterial cell. The drug will not be useful against itching, but it will be useful if there is a possibility of pathogenic microorganisms multiplying in the wound.

In order to promptly notice intolerance to any ointment, before treatment you need to apply a small amount of it to the outside of the elbow.

If you don’t have anything at hand recommended for treating bites, the time-tested Golden Star balm can help.

The main role in this case will be played by the ability to disinfect the affected surface. Camphor and essential oils can also be irritating, so if you apply the balm too often, you can get burns. You should also not apply “Golden Star” to large wounds. The main side effect of the balm is the chance of an allergic reaction.

How do bedbugs bite?

Any blood-sucking insect has its own feeding habits. Bed bugs are no exception. There are many specific details in how bedbugs bite. The oral apparatus of bedbugs is of the piercing-sucking type, has the appearance of a segmented proboscis on the top of the head and is adapted to sucking out liquid substances. For example, mosquitoes simply stick their proboscis into the skin, while bedbugs have two pairs of jaws, thanks to which they feed.

But let's return to how the bug bites. As mentioned above, there are two channels in the bug’s proboscis that allow it to feed and even remain unpunished for some time. One channel is for sucking the victim’s blood, the second is for introducing saliva into the bite, which contains a substance that plays the role of an anesthetic.

The length of the bedbug's proboscis does not exceed 0.7 mm, this forces it to look for areas of the skin with the closest blood vessels in which blood can be drawn. In one bite, the bug sucks out 1-1.5 µl of blood. After receiving this portion, the parasite moves 2-4 centimeters throughout the body and bites again. In young animals, a bite usually takes about 2-3 minutes; in adult bed bugs, this time can last up to 15 minutes.

Thus, the bug leaves 3-5 bites on the body, during which it sucks up to 7 µl of blood. Usually such a meal lasts a bug for 7-10 days. But a lot depends on the number of these insects in the room. If an area is densely populated by these parasites, then in the morning a person can count up to 500 bites on his body!

The best medicines for bites

When choosing an ointment to treat bed bug bites, it is important to find a balance between effectiveness, price, and side effects. Due to the fact that the saliva of blood-sucking insects often causes an allergic reaction, antihistamine ointments are gaining popularity, ideal for quickly getting rid of irritation. Bepanten with a high level of safety, suitable for all ages, will help restore damaged skin.

Inflammation can be relieved by affecting the immune system with the help of Elidel, and fans of homeopathy and plant-based medicines can use Cikaderma. A special place among the best is occupied by ointments with glucocorticosteroids, which combine a quick effect and a certain risk.

If there is nothing left of inflammation at hand, you can rely on the fight against the bacteria remaining in the wound with the help of Erythromycin ointment or “Golden Star”. It is worth noting that it is safe for children and pregnant women: Bepanten wins on this basis, Fenistil is popular, but hormonal ointments may not be suitable at all.

What to do if there are signs of bedbug bites on your baby’s body

At the same time, it is important to relieve itching, as it contributes to the appearance of scratching on children's skin. It is necessary to anoint the affected areas with ointment or cream. Additionally, it is recommended to give the child an allergy medicine (according to weight and age). Moreover, preparations in the form of syrups are suitable for children under 3 years of age. It is often necessary to eliminate unpleasant signs as quickly as possible, because the baby scratches the skin a lot.

In this case, topical glucocorticosteroid drugs should be used.

Bite marks on a child's body

What ointments can you prepare yourself?

Children and adults with allergies are recommended to use the least toxic products. For this reason, homemade medications are most often used:

• aloe gel against inflammation: peel the leaf, grind it to a pulp, add alcohol (in an amount sufficient for the liquid to cover the aloe), can be used after a few days;
• baking soda: prepare a product with a consistency similar to gruel, apply it to the bites, this will help eliminate itching;

• use young wild rosemary shoots (shoots dried for 2 weeks) - you will need 2 tbsp. l. crushed raw materials, 5 tbsp. l. vegetable oil;
• grind the dandelion together with the flowers, apply the paste to the skin;
• the garlic needs to be ground in a meat grinder, then the affected outer skin is treated.

DIY aloe gel