Bed bugs are blood-sucking insects that cause a lot of problems in homes, apartments, dormitories, and hotels. Bed bugs do not spread infectious diseases, but in some people, bed bug bites can trigger systemic reactions in the body such as asthma attacks, iron deficiency anemia, urticaria, and others. One can also experience anxiety and sleep disturbances due to the presence of bed bugs in the home.

Bed bugs spread from house to house by hitching a ride on second-hand furniture or being carried in a suitcase on top of a bag. These little bugs are good at hiding during the day and often only come out to feed, making it sometimes difficult to spot their movements and eradicate them.

Recognizing Bedbug Bite Patterns

As reported by Verywell Health, there are two types of bed bugs that are often found in mattresses, namely Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus. Bed bug bites can manifest as follows:

• The presence of spots on the skin that are uneven with the skin and slightly protruding
• A reddish, darker spot in the center
• The bite marks may show a zig-zag pattern, arranged in rough lines or clumped together
• Small patches of blood from bites on dry skin
• Bites are found on parts of the body that tend to be exposed during sleep, such as the face, neck, arms or legs

Itching from bed bug bites is generally not felt when the bed bug bites you, but only later. These bites pose a risk of infection if you scratch them, causing skin sores. In some rare cases, bed bug bites also cause severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the mouth and throat, an irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath.

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How to Deal With Bedbug Bites

Bed bug bites that do not show symptoms of allergy or infection can be treated at home by rinsing the bites with soap and water. Soap and water help prevent infections and reduce itching.

You can also apply creams containing hydrocortisone or take antihistamine medications to relieve itching for more comfort. In addition, you need to immediately clean mattresses, sofas, and other furniture that may be harboring bed bugs. Bed linen as well as tablecloths or sofa covers need to be washed in warm water and dried in the sun.

If you are having trouble getting rid of bed bugs, you may want to hire an exterminator. Bed bug problems that are not immediately eliminated can increase health risks such as infections, sleep disturbances, anxiety, fatigue, and a decreased immune system.

In severe symptoms, including those of anaphylaxis, you should seek immediate medical attention at a hospital. Especially if you experience shortness of breath, severe welts, or loss of consciousness. Signs of infection, such as spots that begin to fester, also require medical attention. Antibiotics may also be prescribed in case of infection.

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How to Avoid Bed Bug Bites

To avoid the risk of bug bites, avoid traveling to areas that are experiencing a bug infestation. In addition, you can also prevent flea infestations in the following ways:

• Avoid buying used furniture that has not been sterilized
• Choose furniture materials that contain plastic, stone, or metal, which are not easy to become a place for bed bugs to hide.
• Clean bedding and bed linen regularly
• Washing and drying bed linen at high temperature
• Regularly vacuum mattresses, sofas, and carpets
• When traveling, use a nightgown with covered sleeves and trousers

When the itching caused by bed bugs does not decrease or home remedies do not help much, see a doctor immediately. You can also use our health consultation service by downloading the Ai Care app from the App Store or Play Store.

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