How To Get Rid Of Bed Bug Bites Naturally

Simple ways on how to get rid of bug bites naturally. Check out the article we found over at Top 10 Home Remedies.

Restless nights are a common occurrence in bedbug infested homes due to bed bug bites that cause itchy welts. These pesky little pests generally feed on your blood at night, the peak time being about 1 hour before sunrise.

Their bites resemble other insect bites and usually appear in rows or clusters of three to five bites. They are more common on exposed areas like the face, neck, arms and hands.

While some people may not even realize they were bitten, others may develop symptoms like red itchy bumps and rashes.

Some people may develop an allergic reaction with painful swelling and burning at the bite site, engorged bite marks and, in very rare cases, an anaphylactic response. Bed bug bites do not usually transmit diseases, but excessive itching and scratching may cause a skin infection.

The first thing that you need to do when dealing with bed bug bites is to wash the affected area with a mild antiseptic soap and water. This will reduce itching and prevent a skin infection. If not scratched, they tend to resolve within a week or so.

However, see a dermatologist if you develop a skin infection, blisters or an allergic skin reaction.

Here are the top ways to get rid of bed bug bites.

1. Ice Pack

The cold temperature from ice can help numb the nerve endings, thus relieving the itching sensationcaused by bed bug bites. It will also help calm the swelling.

1. Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel.
2. Place it on the affected area.
3. Remove it after 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Repeat as needed.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, helps neutralize acidic chemicals that could be causing the itching from a bed bug bite. Being an anti-inflammatory agent, it also helps reduce swelling and redness.

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 3 teaspoons of water.
2. Apply the mixture generously on the affected area.
3. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
4. If the discomfort persists, apply again after 30 to 45 minutes.

3. Lemon Juice

Being a natural astringent, lemon juice helps dry out rashes caused by bed bug bites and keeps itching at bay. Plus, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help reduce redness and swelling as well as prevent infection.

1. Dip a cotton ball in lemon juice.
2. Dab it on the bed bug bites.
3. Let it air dry, then rinse the affected area.
4. Do this a few times a day.

Note: Lemon juice may make your skin susceptible to sunburn. Do not go out in the sun for a few hours after using this remedy.

4. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a liquid astringent that you can get from a drug store. Mostly used as a facial cleanser, it can also help calm itching caused by bed bug bites because it contains tannins that have a mild anesthetic effect.

1. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel.
2. Place it on the affected area.
3. Remove the cotton ball after 10 minutes.
4. Repeat as needed.

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Read full article: How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites