Treatment
Bed bugs
How to Treat Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites usually clear up on their own within a week. Treatments include:
- Applying a cool, damp cloth to reduce itching and swelling
- Keeping the affected area clean
- Avoiding scratching to prevent infection
- Using mild steroid creams (e.g., hydrocortisone) or antihistamines to relieve itching
When to See a Doctor
See a healthcare provider if:
- Bed bug bites are very painful, swollen, or itchy after using over-the-counter treatments
- The pain or swelling around the bites spreads
- You develop signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus.