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Bed bug bites are itchy, annoying, and just plain creepy. Although the bites are generally harmless, it's important to get rid of bed bugs, otherwise they will keep biting you.

Meanwhile, there are a few at-home treatment methods you can use to relieve the itchiness from your bed bug bites. If those don't work, you may want to see your doctor for stronger, prescription medication.

Here's how you can recognize bed bug bites and treat them effectively.

Bed bug bites appear as small red marks on light skin, and could appear as small dark spots on skin that is darker shades, says Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, MD, medical director at Visage Dermatology and Aesthetics Center in Washington D.C.

Usually, they'll appear in clusters of 3 to 5 bites in a zig-zag pattern that reflects where the bug has moved on your body. Although bed bugs can bite anywhere, the bites tend to be concentrated on the abdomen and arms, St. Surin-Lord says.

Bed bug bites tend to be a little smaller than mosquito bites, though it may be difficult to tell them apart from flea bites.

"The difference is that you normally can see the fleas jumping around or the mosquitos, after they have bitten you," St. Surin-Lord says. "Bed bugs are a little more clandestine."

This comparison table can help you diagnose your type of bug bite:

The major symptoms of bed bug bites typically include redness and itchiness.

You can treat these symptoms by first washing the bite site with soapy water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, you can try these at-home remedies:

The itching from bed bug bites can last for up to two weeks, St. Surin-Lord says. That's often prolonged if the infestation hasn't been addressed and the person continues to get new bites.

If you're dealing with severe itchiness despite using the remedies above, you can reach out to your doctor for a more powerful prescription anti-itch cream.

In some cases, St. Surin-Lord prescribes oral steroids to people who have severe itching caused by bed bug bites. The oral steroids can reduce inflammation and itchiness in people who don't get relief from topical creams. They can also help prevent further health complications from the overwhelming itchiness.

"Bedbugs become dangerous when a large part of the body is affected, causing intense itching and scratching, leading to open, wounded, bleeding skin," St. Surin-Lord says. "This now creates a portal for bacteria and skin infections."

Though rare, if you develop a fever alongside your bites, you should check in with your doctor, since that could indicate an underlying infection, St. Surin-Lord says.

Although bed bug bites are generally harmless, they can be very uncomfortable. If you're not getting relief from at-home treatments, reach out to your doctor.

In addition, it's important to treat the infestation and get rid of the bed bugs they will likely keep biting people until they are professionally exterminated.

"No matter what you decide to do, you must rid your home of the bed bugs," St. Surin-Lord says. "If you were at a hotel and feel that you were bitten in their bed and were diagnosed with bed bugs, you should contact that hotel so that they have their rooms treated."

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How to identify and treat bed bug bites - Insider - INSIDER

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on human blood. Since they're less than a quarter of an inch long, they're almost impossible to spot. But they can be found anywhere, from houses to nursing homes and hotels.

"Normally the first signs of bed bugs are bites," says Rick Young, owner of UK-based Young's Pest Control.

The tell-tale sign is small bites clustered in a group or line on your skin.Although bed bug bites are itchy, they're usually harmless.

"In the vast majority of cases, bed bugs are a nuisance rather than genuinely dangerous to health," says Sreedhar Krishna, a dermatologist at TalkHealth London.

Still, most people who have bed bugs want them gone as soon as possible. Here's how to spot the signs of bed bugs and get rid of them quickly and effectively.

Bed bugs usually live in or around your bed, and they commonly hide in the creases and seams of mattresses or upholstery. However, it's rare to actually spot a bed bug.

"Sometimes it can be very hard to tell if you have bed bugs as they remain in hiding places through the day time and only come out at night to feed when we are in a deep sleep," says Young.

Instead of looking for bugs, you should look for signs of a bed bug infestation. These can include:

Treating bed bugs can be complex and time consuming, especially since infestations are usually severe by the time people notice it.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends certain do-it-yourself remedies.

In addition, our colleagues at Insider Reviews have put together a list of the best products to get rid of bed bugs.

You can try these before hiring an exterminator to save money, but you should note that professional extermination is a more effective (albeit costly) treatment.

Exterminators use the same tools heat or pesticides but they have access to higher-quality equipment that can work more quickly and effectively.

"There are a number of home remedies which one can try, but these are unlikely to eradicate the problem," Krishna says. "This is because bed bugs can hide in very tricky to reach areas and so professional help is often required."

In most cases, exterminators will have to come back multiple times to get rid of the bed bugs. The EPA has additional guidance on selecting a pest control company. After the extermination is complete you should continue to monitor for signs of bedbugs for at least two weeks.

If you suspect you have bed bugs, don't carry bedding or clothing into other areas of your house. This can help keep the bed bugs contained to one site, Young says.

Bed bugs are creepy, but they're mostly harmless and there are effective ways to get rid of them. Remembering that can help you stay calm if you notice the signs of a bed bug infestation in your home.

"You never need to panic if you have bed bugs," Young says. "There are qualified people and correct methods of safely exterminating your problem."

Originally posted here:
How to get rid of bed bugs fast and 3 signs you have an infestation - Insider - INSIDER