Bed Bug Bite – Pediatrician in {Cincinnati}, {OH}

Is this your child’s symptom?

• Bites from bed bugs

If NOT, try one of these:

• Insect Bite

Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites

• Usually cause itchy, red bumps in a group or line
• Often they look like a hive or mosquito bite
• Bite may have a red dot (puncture) in the center. This is where the bed bug bit through the skin.
• Occasionally, a small blister can occur in the center
• Bites are usually on exposed skin (arms, legs and face)
• Bites are usually first noted in the morning

Diagnosis of Bed Bug Bites

• Live bed bugs hide and are not usually seen. Close inspection of the mattress may find some.
• They are ¼ inch (6 mm), flat, oval shaped, reddish-brown bugs.
• Suspect bed bugs if over 3 red bumps in a row are on exposed skin. The bumps or bites are very itchy.
• Bed bug waste is found on bedding or mattress seams. It looks like dark brown flecks or coffee grounds.
• A blood stain on the sheet may sometimes be found. This is from a bug smashed after feeding.

Cause of Bed Bug Bite Reactions

• The skin bumps are the body’s reaction to the bug’s saliva.
• While the bug is sucking blood, some of its secretions get mixed in.
• Bed bugs are small visible blood-sucking bugs. They are about ¼ inch (6 mm) in length.
• During the day, bed bugs hide in the corners of mattresses. They may also be found in bed crevices, floors, and walls.
• At night, the bed bugs come out of hiding. They feed on humans for about 5 minutes.

Prevention of Getting Bed Bugs

• Over half of bed bug infestations within homes start after recent travel.
• Avoid hotels and hostels where bed bugs have been reported.
• When you check into a hotel room, look for signs of bed bugs. Look for flecks of their waste (like coffee grounds) in the bedding and mattress. If present, ask for another room.
• Keep your luggage and clothing on a luggage rack off the floor.
• When you return from a trip, place all travel clothing into the clothes dryer. Run the dryer for 20 minutes. (Reason: The heat will kill any bed bugs or their eggs that are present). One pregnant bed bug can spread bed bugs to an entire house.

Frequent Questions (FAQs)

• Can bed bugs transmit HIV or hepatitis? This is highly unlikely. It has never been reported.
• Do bed bugs like dirt? Not really. What bed bugs like is the warmth of the human body. Dirty and cluttered spaces just give bed bugs a place to hide.
• Are bed bugs too small to be seen? No. You can see adult bed bugs. They are about the size of an apple seed (4-7 mm; ¼ inch).
• Are bed bugs scared of the light? They do prefer darkness. But keeping the light on will not stop bed bugs from biting you.

When to Call for Bed Bug Bite

Care Advice for Bed Bug Bites

1. What You Should Know About Bed Bug Bites:
   • Bed bug bites cause itchy red bumps.
   • They are usually less than ½ inch (12 mm) in size.
   • Some are larger (like a hive). These are normal reactions to a bed bug.
   • A large hive does not mean your child has an allergy.
   • The redness does not mean the bite is infected.
   • Bed bugs do not carry any infectious diseases.
   • Don’t panic: You can get rid of bed bugs from your home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Steroid Cream for Itching:
   • To reduce the itching, use 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed.
   • Apply 3 times a day until the itch is gone.
   • If you don’t have, apply a baking soda paste until you can get some.
3. Allergy Medicine For Itching:
   • If the bite is still itchy, try an allergy medicine by mouth.
   • Benadryl is a good one. No prescription is needed.
4. Try Not to Scratch:
   • Cut the fingernails short.
   • Help your child not to scratch.
   • Reason: Prevent a skin infection at the bite site.
5. Bed Bug Repellents – Not Helpful:
   • Insect repellents do not keep bed bugs from biting.
   • Repellents containing DEET (used on skin) and permethrin (used on clothing) do not help.
6. Removing Bed Bugs from Your Home:
   • Getting rid of bed bugs requires a licensed pest control service.
   • Look in the phone book or on the internet under Pest Control.
7. What to Expect:
   • Any pinkness or redness usually lasts 3 days.
   • The swelling may last 7 days.
   • The itch may last for 2 weeks.
8. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Bite looks infected (redness gets larger after 48 hours)
   • Large red bumps last more than 7 days
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Bed Bug Bite

This is what a bed bug bite looks like. It can take a few days for the bites to appear after a bed bug bites you. The bites are usually itchy and often have a burning feeling. Try not to scratch and break the skin because this can cause an infection.

Bed Bug

This is a full-grown bedbug. Bedbugs are small brown bugs which are less than ¼ of an inch (6 mm) long. Bedbugs hide in the seams, folds and creases of mattresses and upholstery. They come out at night. During the day, you might see signs of them, such as shed skin, waste or blood marks on the linens.

Bug bites: Symptoms and treatment

From mosquitoes to flies to fire ants, some of the biggest pests come in small sizes.

In many cases, bites from these types of insects are harmless and only cause temporary discomfort. Still, if you’ve ever had an itchy bug bite or a bug bite with swelling, you know just how bothersome bug bites can be. Learn how to identify and get relief from bug bites.

Identifying bug bites

It can be tricky telling what insect bit you. Here’s how to pinpoint other bug bites vs. mosquito bites:

• Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes usually lurk in humid, shaded areas near standing water, such as pools and lakes. Bites result in a stinging sensation followed by a red, itchy mound with a tiny puncture mark at the center.
• Flies: Flies are often found around garbage, food or animal waste. Their bites appear as painful, itchy bumps that may turn into small blisters.
• Fire ants: Fire ants are found on lawns, parks and pastures. They are usually found in southern states in the U.S. Their bite causes an immediate painful, burning sensation, followed by swelling. Cloudy fluid may develop inside the bite.
• Fleas: Fleas only tend to be a problem if you have a pet living in your home. They cause a group of small bites clustered together, typically on areas of your body where clothing fits tightly.
• Bed bugs: Bed bugs hide in beds, chairs, couches, between cushions and in the folds of curtains. They’re more likely to bite at night, and are more active in warm weather. They cause two or three itchy, red bumps in a row that may be topped with a blister.

Bug bite symptoms

Specific symptoms vary based on the type of insect that bit you. Bug bite symptoms can include:

• A small, raised or red bump(s)
• Pain
• Itching
• Swelling
• Blistering

Some people develop an allergic reaction to bug bites. However, allergies to stinging insects, like bees and wasps, are more common. If you have rashes from bug bites or any of these signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical help right away:

• Trouble breathing
• Hives (red bumps) on areas of your skin where you weren’t bitten
• Red, swollen bite that worsens
• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Chest pain
• Increased heart rate
• Swelling of your lips, tongue or face

Why do bug bites itch?

Some bugs inject venom into your skin when they bite you, causing an itching sensation. Mosquitoes leave their saliva behind when they bite, which also causes itchiness. Try not to scratch bug bites, because itching can lead to infection.

How long do bug bites last?

Bothersome symptoms from bug bites tend to only last a day or two.

Bug bite treatments

Here’s how to stop bug bites from itching and feeling painful:

• Gently clean bites with soap and water, taking special care not to break blisters.
• Apply a cool compress or ice pack to the affected area. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
• Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itching cream, such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone, to the bite several times a day until symptoms go away. Or take an OTC oral antihistamine. Baking soda paste can be used as an alternative if you prefer home remedies for bug bites. Mix baking soda with water until you get a paste consistency and apply it directly to the bug bite.

Before you try other natural remedies such as essential oil for bug bites, talk to your healthcare provider. It isn’t known if certain oils will aggravate some bug bites.

See your healthcare provider if your bite looks like it’s getting worse or you cannot get itch relief. You should also contact your provider if you have signs of infectious bug bites, including redness, warmth, swelling or drainage at the site of the bite or a fever, so you can get treatment. In some cases, cellulitis, a bacterial infection that affects the skin and tissue underneath, can develop after a bug bite.

Bug bite prevention

Bites from mosquitoes, ticks and fleas can carry certain viruses or parasites that can make you sick. For example, there have been cases of West Nile virus and Zika virus in the U.S. from mosquitoes, and, in other parts of the world, mosquitoes can carry malaria and yellow fever. Ticks are known to spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. You can help protect yourself from mosquito, tick and flea bites and any harmful germs that they may carry by taking these actions:

• Stay out of tall grass and bushes
• Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent
• Wear light-colored, protective clothing that covers your arms and legs
• Tuck pants into socks when you go hiking

While many bug bites are nothing more than minor nuisances, see your healthcare provider if your bite gets worse or if you have signs of an allergic reaction or infected bug bite. Your provider can offer treatment recommendations so you can get relief.

Clinically reviewed and updated June 2021.

Sources:

1. https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/bug-bites-and-stings

2. https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/symptoms.html

3. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/from-insects-animals/Pages/Identifying-Insect-Bites-and-Stings.aspx

4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593

5. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions

6. https://www.sepsis.org/sepsis-and/cellulitis/

7. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/what-to-do-after-a-tick-bite-to-prevent-lyme-disease-beyond-the-basics

8. https://medlineplus.gov/bedbugs.html

9. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/outdoor/mosquito-borne/default.html

10. https://familydoctor.org/condition/insect-borne-diseases/

Severe reaction to an insect bite.

First aid and allergy prevention

Insect species

Insect bites are familiar to each of us. This problem is especially relevant for the summer season, when most representatives of the arthropod order can be found literally anywhere where there is land and sunlight. How to prevent insect bites and what to do if this trouble does happen?

Let’s start with the fact that such reactions can be divided into several groups:

• arising in response to the bite of insects sucking blood;
• developing when stinging and introducing poison into the human body by insects;
• appearing upon contact with scales or other particles of living or dead insects (that have entered the respiratory tract or on the skin).

Blood-sucking insects

Most often, of course, these are mosquitoes, and only females bite. When they puncture the skin, they inject a special poison that prevents blood clotting so that they can “eat from the heart. ” This substance causes severe itching. A person itches and can even bring an infection into these scratches. As a result, the wounds become inflamed, can fester and hurt. Itching prevents a person from sleeping, he tosses and turns, often wakes up and gets up in the morning unrested. There is also a category of people who are allergic to mosquito bites . In this case, the wound swells and turns red, and the itching becomes simply unbearable.

After a mosquito bite, you can anoint itchy “bubbles” with an antiallergic gel. If they are already combed, it is recommended to treat the wounds with antiseptics.

How to prevent a mosquito bite?

• install mosquito nets on windows or cover them with gauze;
• use repellents – special means that repel insects. They can be applied to open areas of the skin or clothing, most importantly, avoid contact with the eyes;
• spread lavender or St. John’s wort around the cottage, mosquitoes do not like these herbs;
• use fumigators or insect coils.

Stinging insects

The stings of bees, wasps and bumblebees are extremely painful. The skin around the wound quickly turns red, becomes swollen and edematous. Intense, throbbing pain may begin, body temperature rises, nausea and headache are sometimes observed. But the most dangerous reaction is allergy, which affects from 0.4 to 0.8% of the inhabitants of the Earth. The venom of these insects contains toxic substances that cause a decrease in blood pressure, swelling of the mucous membranes and respiratory failure and convulsions.

According to the severity of an allergic reaction, the following options can be distinguished:

• mild – itchy skin rash
  ;
• moderate – urticaria , nausea and vomiting, respiratory disorders;
• severe – dizziness and confusion join the symptoms described above;
• anaphylactic shock – a sharp decrease in blood pressure, weak pulse, suffocation and loss of consciousness. This is the most difficult condition in which the count goes literally for seconds. In the absence of medical care, death quickly occurs.

What to do if a bee stings?

To begin with, carefully and quickly remove the sting, it is most convenient to do this with tweezers. Then treat the wound with an antiseptic. A cold compress can be applied to reduce pain and swelling. Next, should take a desensitizing drug inside and smear the bite area with antiallergic gel .

Try not to be among the flowers – they are a bright bait for bees and wasps. Be sure to tell the children not to wave their hands at striped insects or try to touch them with their hands.

First aid for insect bites

If itchy spots or vesicles appear on the skin, or the bite site is very swollen and itchy, it is most likely an allergy. In this case, Octagel can be used. Thanks to the components included in the composition, Octagel relieves symptoms immediately after application to the skin, dries quickly and does not stain clothes. Octagel is a multicomponent agent, the main active ingredient of which is ammonium glycyrrhizinate. Ammonium glycyrrhizinate has a pronounced anti-allergic and antipruritic effect, due to which it can significantly reduce itching, redness, irritation, swelling and inflammation in the area of ​​​​the bite.

Octagel should be applied to the entire surface of the skin with manifestations of an allergy to an insect bite using a convenient dispenser.

Prevention of allergy to insect stings

There are several methods for preventing allergic reactions to insect stings. It is recommended to take antihistamines during the period of insect activity. You should try to avoid any contact with insects (wear loose clothing with long sleeves, use special repellents in places where they accumulate).

To combat insects in the room, a large number of various fumigators, liquid and in the form of plates, have been developed. An ultrasonic device is also produced to repel flying and crawling “allergens”. Allergen-specific immunotherapy with a cause-significant allergen is considered the most effective. Such therapy is carried out only if there is a high level of immunoglobulin E in the blood.

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9000 0 Remedies for mosquito bites. How to relieve itching and redness in children and adults

With the advent of summer heat, a real problem arises – the bites of blood-sucking insects. It doesn’t matter where you are: outside the city, in the forest, by the river or in the house – small insects live everywhere. Mosquitoes cause a lot of trouble to humans. A small bite causes a severe allergic reaction in adults and children, which can be extremely dangerous for some people.

The human immune system reacts differently to bites. Someone will not notice the trouble, at the same time, sensitive people will have swelling and itching. Even if you’ve never had an allergic reaction to mosquitoes before, it could be from a bite from a completely different kind of mosquito. This is due to the different composition of saliva that the insect injects during a bite. Mosquito saliva contains substances, among which there are proteins. They neutralize blood clotting, so the female mosquito calmly sucks blood from a person. It is proteins that cause unpleasant itching, swelling, tingling at the site of the wound. What to do if a mosquito bites you or your child?

How to relieve itching after a mosquito bite

It often happens that even despite the presence of a fumigator in the house, the use of various sprays and balms that repel insects, mosquitoes still bitten. Over time, the bite site will turn red and swell slightly, itching and burning will appear. What to do and how to help an adult or a child avoid consequences if there are no special tools at hand? It should be understood that it is worth treating or treating only those bites that have a pronounced appearance and cause discomfort to a person. If the bite does not bother you, after 2-3 days the stain from the skin will disappear by itself.

If the bites are painful, then it is recommended:

• Try not to scratch the wound so as not to cause infection;

• Apply something cold so that the bite does not bother you for a short time;

• Use traditional methods: treat the wound with a weak solution of soda or vinegar, apply a tea bag, psyllium juice, lavender or tea tree oil.

Mosquito repellent

Are you planning an outdoor recreation? Before the trip, you should stock up on special pharmacy “anti-mosquito” drugs. They easily cope with itching, prevent infection, and promote rapid healing. Your first aid kit should have several remedies that promote the speedy healing of bites:

1) Antihistamines – will quickly and effectively prevent pronounced allergic reactions.

2) Fenistil is a Swiss drug available in the form of a gel, emulsions and drops. It is used in the pathological process of moderate severity. Easily copes with unpleasant symptoms. The agent does not penetrate into the bloodstream, which means that the appearance of side effects is excluded. With a strong immune reaction, it is recommended to take Fenistil drops orally. The drug is safe and can be used to treat children aged 1 month.

3) Psilo-balm is an indispensable remedy for severe itching irritations. The gel contains an antihistamine substance that is effective in acute allergic reactions on the surface of the skin. After applying the balm, the itching stops within a few minutes. Psilo-balm is used for children older than two years.

4) Forte Rescuer is a versatile and inexpensive tool. The balm is used not only for insect bites, but also for cuts, burns, bruises, and irritations. It has bactericidal properties, helps rapid recovery and healing of wounds.