Bed Bugs

Here are some points to remember when

dealing with bed bug rash...

• How to get rid of bed bug rashes? Do not scratch the area as this will worsen the situation. Leave it alone and in the case of a mild rash, it will disappear within few days. The best way to avoid in getting worse is not to get overly concerned about the affected area.
• Quickly sterilize the affected area with a topical steroid. Cortaid Intensive therapy moisturizing cream is one such Topical steroid cream.
• The use of antihistamines, such as Atarax or Benadryl, can provide immediate relief from swelling and itching. Benadryl should be taken before going to sleep as it can cause drowsiness.
• You can also apply calamine lotion.
• To reduce the itching you can use an anti-itch medication. Several non-steroidal medications are available these days. These alleviate the problem of severe itching but do not remove the red spots.
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• To reduce the swelling you can apply hydrocortisone cream.
• the use of an oral steroid such as Prednisone is very effective in the treatment of rashes due to bed bug bites.
• Zyrtec and Claritin are oral antihistamines that can be taken during the day.
• The best topical lotions contain a mixture of pramoxine (to reduce the pain) and diphendrydramine (to stop the itching).
• The application of lukewarm water to the affected area provides immediate relief for some people.
• Wash it frequently with antibacterial soap to prevent the growth of bacteria at the rash site.
• Add a cup of grounded oatmeal to your bathtub. This provides relief from itching,inflammation and irritation
• The application of salt and baking soda to the affected area relieves inflammation.
• Dip a cotton ball in Alka-Seltzer solution and rub it on the rash. It helps to clear the rash. Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin.
• You can also use a Homeopathic treatment for Urticaria. This is a long term and effective treatment.
• Whisk together witch hazel and an essential oil such as basil. Rub this mixture in to prevent the rash becoming more sever. Rubbing marigold on the bite can also provide relief from bed bug rashes.

Tips for Bed Bugs

1. Learn how to recognize bedbugs and bed bug infestations by looking at our Picture Gallery. See Bed Bug Life Cycle and Bed Bug Infestation.
    
2. Avoid dust ruffles/bed skirts on your bed as this serves not only as a good hiding place for bed bugs, but as an easy means for the insects to travel from the floor to your bed, box spring, mattress and to you. If you must have them, make sure they are not touching the floor. See also how to inspect for bed bugs.
    
3. If you have a headboard, it would be prudent to have a minimum 2 inch space between it and the wall in order to make access to your bed and you that much more difficult for the bedbugs.
    
4. When possible, take off your shoes BEFORE entering your house, and make sure your visitors do the same. Bed bugs have been known to travel on peoples shoes and lay their eggs there.
    
5. Never bring used bedding or furniture into your home until you have inspected the items thoroughly and are comfortable with the means in which the items have been transported to your home. Unfortunately, many delivery vehicles have unknowingly become infested with bed bugs due to removing items from customer homes.
    
6. Protect your bedding with quality bed bug bedding protection products.  Encasement are an important component in protecting your property, making the inspection and treatment process much easier for your Pest Management Professional, and help eliminate added stress and expense of possibly replacing these items.
    
7. When you travel, be sure to inspect your hotel room for bed bugs. Travel is the #1 most common way bed bugs are spread. Protect yourself when you travel with Secure Sleep suitcase liners, travel pillow protectors, and laundry bag. Using anti-bed bug travel products from Bedbug.com will aid in protecting your personal belongings and making it easier to unpack directly into your washer at home for added peace of mind.
    
8. Be prepared by learning all you can about Bed Bug Do's and Don'ts.