Bed bug bites are small bumps that are very itchy, they don't heal quickly and remain swollen for weeks. The itch and pain are the result of an allergic reaction to chemicals contained in the bedbug's saliva. I know it's very hard to resist scratching but do everything you can to avoid it. Wash the affected area with antibacterial soap and water to prevent the bacteria from spreading further. You can use an ice pack to ease the swelling, it will give you a little comfort too.

Dab calamine lotion on the bites to reduce inflammation and itching. Calamine lotion is available in drug stores and it's inexpensive. You may need to reapply before you'll find relief. If calamine lotion does not work with the itch, you can use an antiseptic cream. This will effectively kill the bacteria that's causing the itch. Another topical cream that can treat bed bug bites is hydrocortisone. This works wonders for me and I stop itching in a matter of minutes. It hasn't been confirmed though if hydrocortisone shrinks swelling. If you can't find hydrocortisone, you can opt for iphenhydramine (for itching), pramoxine (for pain) or benzyl alcohol (for itching and pain) instead. All three have been proven to be very effective.

If you have Vitamin C tablets at home you can use them to reduce inflammation and stop the itching. Crush 6 to 8 tablets using a mortar and pestle and then add a little water to make a pasty mixture. Apply directly to the bites. You can also use tea tree oil for this purpose. Tea tree is a natural disinfectant and it has anti-bacterial properties. If you don't like the smell of it you can just buy basil essential oil. If topical remedies don't work for you then it's time you try an over-the-counter antihistamine. Read the instructions carefully for proper dosage. If you're uncertain please consult your physician.

To prevent bed bug bites, make sure you wash all your sheets thoroughly in high temperature (120 F Minimum). Bugs don't like heat and they can't survive with temperature higher than 110 F. Spray your bed with one of those scented cover sprays (preferably lavender) or a strong perfume. Bugs hate strong smell. Before you go to bed, apply a generous amount of body lotion with strong fragrance. This will keep the bugs in biting you. The smell will prevent them from sniffing human flesh and blood.



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