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  1. Bedbugs Bites: What They Look Like, Treatment, and More

    • Learn how to identify bedbug bites, which may be red, swollen, itchy, or blistered. Find out how to treat them with OTC medications or home remedies, and how to prevent and get rid of bedbugs in you… See more

    Overview

    Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on blood from humans or animals. Over-the-counter treatments can help relieve itching and inflammation.
    Bedbugs c… See more

    Healthline
    What do bedbug bites look like?

    Bedbugs excrete anesthetic before feeding on people, so you won’t feel it when they bite you. … See more

    Healthline
    What’s the best way to treat bedbug bites?

    In most cases, bedbug bites get better on their own. To relieve symptoms, you can try:
    •Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescriptio… See more

    Healthline
    How should you treat bedbug bites on a baby?

    Washing the bites with soap and water will help treat bedbug bites on your baby or child. For additional relief, consider applying a cold compress, OTC anti-itch creams, or … See more

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  1. Bed bug bite

    Content medically reviewed by
    Dr. Karthikeya T Mverified specialist
    MD, Internal Medicine
    View full profile onLinkedIn logoLinkedIn
    Symptoms
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    Distinguishing the bedbug bite from any other insect bite is difficult. Typical characteristics of a bedbug bite are:

    • A bite with a red, swollen area and a dark red center
    • Bites in a line or group in a small area
    • Blisters or hives at the site of the bite
    • Itching
    • Fever
    • Lymphadenopathy
    • Anaphylaxis

    Causes

    Bedbugs make way through luggage, clothing, used beds and couches, and other items.

    There are many reasons for the bed bug infestations

    • Most common is traveling - can catch the bug through hotel beds, cupboards, dormitories, on cruise ships and even in medical facilities
    • Changes in pest control practices
    • Insecticide resistance

    Bedbugs commonly hide and multiply in

    • Mattresses
    • Box springs
    • Bed frames
    • Headboards
    • Objects or clutter near beds
    • Under peeling paint and loose wallpaper
    • Under carpeting near baseboards
    • In upholstered furniture seams
    • Under light switch plates or electrical outlets

    Prevention

    • Bedding, curtains, linens, and clothing should be cleaned in hot water and dried at the highest dryer setting frequently.
    • The items which can't be washed should be dried at high temperatures for a minimum of 30 minutes.
    • A stiff brush should be used to scrub the mattress and remove the bedbugs as well as their eggs, before vacuuming.
    • The bed and the surrounding area should be frequently vacuumed.
    • Repair the cracks in plaster and glue down any peeling wallpaper to get rid of the places where bedbugs can potentially hide.
    • Get rid of any clutter around the bed.

    Complications

    • Bedbug bites don't cause any serious complications or spread any diseases
    • In very rare cases, itchy rashes can lead to skin infection
    • If you are allergic, you may experience severe symptoms like swelling and burning sensation at the bite site

    Source: Focus Medica . For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. Learn more
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