Want to know how to treat your bed bug rash? Here are 4 simple and effective bed bug rash treatment options.
A bed bug rash can be distressing, frustrating and downright uncomfortable. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to wake up with clusters of minuscule red bites on your body and suspect a bed bug rash, don’t fret.
Bed bug rash is rarely serious, and there are a variety of simple treatment options that will help to encourage healing and soothe symptoms of itching and irritation.
Is it a bed bug rash?
Before you begin any treatment, you need to be certain that your rash is definitely a bed bug rash. A typical bed bug rash appears in lines or clusters of small, red itchy bites. Sometimes you will also feel a burning sensation.
If your rash looks like this, study your home for signs of bed bugs: examine your bedding, mattress, bed legs, bed head and the areas surrounding your bed. Also, check if other family members have a similar rash. If you’re still uncertain, chat to your GP before you commence any treatment.
The silver lining
Bed bugs don’t live on your skin like other bugs (ie lice and ticks), nor do they transmit diseases, so you don’t need to worry about medications to kill or treat them. Bed bug rash treatments focus on alleviating your symptoms. You should also aim to get rid of the bed bugs to prevent future occurrences.
How to treat your bed bug rash
While there is no magic potion that will get rid of your bed bug rash instantly, these 4 remedies will help to soothe your rash and promote healing.
1. Calamine lotion
Calamine lotion is a traditional remedy for treating a bed bug rash. It’s a natural solution that, when applied directly to the rash, can help to alleviate itching. It also acts as a barrier.
2. Over-the-counter medications
Hydro-cortisone creams help to reduce inflammation, while oral antihistamines reduce symptoms. Talk to your pharmacist about which option is best for you.
3. Ice pack
An ice pack can help to ease swelling, burning and itching if your bed bug rash is particularly bothersome. Ice packs are also helpful for those who have sensitive skin and tend to react to topical medications.
4. Antibiotics
If your rash becomes redder and infected, shows no signs of improvement or is worsening, your doctor may suggest a course of antibiotics.
What to do if your bed bug rash reappears
Get rid of your bed bugs. This is vital: if you don’t take the time to exterminate the bed bugs, you will never be able to get rid of your bed bug rash. Use Bed Bug Killer powder to kill bed bugs long term without poisons.
If symptoms don’t improve
Be aware that bed bug rash can resemble other skin conditions and insect bites, so visit your GP if your rash fails to clear up or worsens.
Savannah says
Creams containing Benzyl Alcohol will alleviate the pain and this will help you recover quickly from the bed bug bites. If you could force yourself and not scratch the rashes, you could get rid of them in just a few days. Also, applying some lukewarm water on the rashes as soon as you notice them could help you lower the pain and discomfort.
Diane J. says
I’m with Alessandra D, calamine lotion is perfect for bed bug rash. My nephew got these rashes while on camp and calamine helped him with pain and also healed all the rashes in no time. The only downside is that you have to apply it very often because it gets absorbed quick or even wiped off.
Tony Abrahams says
Thanks for letting me know Diane. I always like learning new things about bed bug treatment.
Greta says
If the rash is light red and not that itchy, you could use only icepacks to relieve the pain. I keep the icepack for up to 10 minutes then I apply it again after an hour or so. This prevents scratching and the rash will heal a lot quicker. Hope this works for you!
Alessandra D. says
Calamine lotion is my go to treatment whenever I’m full of bed bug rashes. It’s cheap and it always calms my skin almost instantly; my kids love it because it alleviates the mind numbing itching. Icepacks also work but they don’t stay still enough to apply them and I was lucky enough I didn’t have to resort to antibiotics.