If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a family of hungry bed bugs you know just how itchy and uncomfortable those bites can be. They’re more than just an irritating nuisance. Bed bug bites and their accompanying rash can be downright painful.
Fortunately there are several effective home remedies that can alleviate the itching and discomfort associated with bed bug bites. We’ve put together a list of our top home remedies offering natural and easy to achieve relief from the sting of bed bug bites.
Cold Compresses
One of the simplest methods that can be used to soothe bed bug bites is applying a cold compress to the area. Wrap some ice in a cloth and gently place it on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. The cold will help to reduce the inflammation while lightly numbing the nerve endings. This will provide quick relief from the itching. Cold compresses can be applied as often as necessary. But remember, you want to limit each session to 10 or 15 minutes.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is one of the most versatile things in your pantry. It can be used as a cleaning agent for silver, as a toothpaste, and to help relieve itches and rashes caused by insect bites.
Baking soda has alkaline properties that help to neutralize the pH of bed bug bites. This helps to relieve the itching and irritation. Simply mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
Aloe Vera
The Aloe Vera plant is well known for its soothing and healing properties and it is a popular home remedy for bed bug rashes. Ideally you would want to use fresh Aloe Vera gel sourced from a living plant. If you are buying Aloe Vera gel in a pharmacy look for a brand that is pure Aloe Vera gel without coloring, scent or other additives.
To treat bed bug bites simply apply a thin layer of Aloe Vera gel on the affected area. This will help to reduce the inflammation and relieve the itching and irritation. Aloe Vera also has natural antibacterial properties that can help to prevent possible infection.
Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion is a classic remedy for insect bites and rashes and it’s something every family should have in their medicine cabinet. To treat bed bug bites simply apply a thin layer of calamine lotion to the affected areas and leave to dry. This will relieve the itching and reduce the inflammation.
Keep in mind that calamine lotion will likely leave a visible residue on the skin. This is normal and you’ll want to leave the calamine lotion on the affected area until the itching and irritation subsides before washing it off with cool water.
Oatmeal Baths
The home remedies we’ve looked at so far are effective treatments for bed bug bites and rashes that affect smaller areas of the body. In extreme cases bites and rashes may either impact larger portions of the body or may simply be in hard to reach areas. In these instances an oatmeal bath may be the right answer.
Simply at anywhere from a half cup to a cup and a half of plain oats to a lukewarm bath. If you like, you can put the oats into a pantyhose leg tied at the top to make clean up easier. Soak in the oatmeal infused water for 15 to 20 minutes. Oatmeal has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the itching and soothe irritated skin.
A Source of Irritation
While bed bug bites can be a source of irritation there are a variety of effective home remedies that can alleviate the discomfort that accompanies them. Form cold compresses to soothing baths these remedies provide easy relief and promote healing without the need for harsh chemicals. The secret is to choose the remedy that works best for your skin. As always if symptoms persist or worsen it’s recommended that you seek medical advice.
Published by Scott Palatnik
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