Author Archives: Pest Controller

Throughout human history, mankind has encountered bug bites, irritations and skin allergies. The skin being the largest external organ, it is also on the receiving end of all kinds of pollution, toxins and parasitic agents. Naturally, if you suddenly experience itchiness or an outbreak of bite like lesions on the skin, it is important to find out what is bothering you. In this guide, we will determine whether you are suffering from contact dermatitis (allergic dermatitis) or bed bug bites.

Bites from insects are usually easier to identify and diagnose as compared to allergic/contact dermatitis and related skin conditions. An exception to the rule is bed bug bites particularly since bed bugs are elusive creatures which we cannot see, when they are actually biting us. Typically bed bug bites occur at night when we are deep in sleep. However, the following bed bug bite patterns can help you in this matter:

In general; insect bites are characteristic puncture marks that occur due to the mouthparts of the bugs inserting our skin. Bed bug bites tend to occur only in some people that are allergic to the protein contained in the bugs saliva. All biting insects inject histamine-like-substance that works like an anticoagulant to prevent the hosts blood from clotting. This facilitates easier drinking of blood meal for the pests.

Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes inflammation of the skin when the organ is exposed to an environmental agent. In contact dermatitis, the skin becomes red, itchy, swollen or inflamed when it comes in contact with certain substances. These substances can be classified into 2 types:

Allergens typically include adhesives, dyes and perfumes, nail polish, certain fabrics, metals like nickel, poison ivy, rubber, latex, gloves etc. Irritants include cement, hair dyes, pesticides, wet diapers, certain types of shampoos, weed killers and so on. Thus, the signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis vary from person to person depending upon whether s/he has been exposed to an irritant or allergen. These symptoms usually consist of one or more of the following:

If you are distinctly waking up at night with itching, swelling and red bumps on arms and legs the next morning, you must monitor the sleeping area for the pests. If you see other tell-tale signs of bed bugs, do call the Integrated Pest Control Services for getting rid of the bed bugs. Spot treatments, traps, sanitation and continuous evaluation are also necessary to prevent more bed bug bites.

If however, you do not see any signs of the pests, but are still experiencing skin issues as those presented by contact dermatitis, please do not hesitate to see a dermatologist. S/he will evaluate if the condition is pruritis (itching), scabies or an allergic reaction to some irritant. If however, s/he identifies the skin reaction as a bed bug bite, do take all necessary steps to prevent the situation from going out of control.

The doctor will generally take a complete history in order to make a diagnosis of bed bug bites vs contact dermatitis. If another member of the family is also seen with similar bed bug bites then the result is clear. Also, if a patients parent has had similar reaction after having come in contact with an allergen or irritant then it is clearly contact dermatitis.

Bed bug bites can be treated with the application of 1% hydrocortisone cream or 10% crotamiton cream which is a short term steroid. If bed bug bites are very itchy and keeping you awake at night, a sedating antihistamine may be used. For contact dermatitis, the treatment varies based on the type of irritant or allergen causing the dermatitis. Zinc based ointments or castor oil treatment is usually recommended for both types. It is important to identify the irritant and stop its use immediately. A weak (1%) hydrocortisone preparation can also be applied 2-3 times a day to the rash for a period of 4-5 days or until it improves.

We hope this guide puts to rest the debate betweenbed bug bites vs contact dermatitis.

Original post:
Bed Bug Bites Vs Contact dermatitis: How to tell the ...

Follow

Bedbug bites can leave serious damage on the skin. While most bites shouldn't leave permanent marks, they can scar if you pick, scratch or irritate the bites. Thankfully, there are ways to treat bedbug scars and marks. From topical remedies to more intensive treatments, you have a variety of options when it comes to removing bedbug scars. Be persistent in your treatment plan and you'll see the scars fade over time.

Chemical peels

Laser treatment

Rub a scar treatment cream or ointment onto the scars. Onion extract is a key ingredient in such topical treatments. You can find such creams in most drug stores and pharmacies. You'll need to apply the ointment to the scars twice daily for at least two months before seeing results.

Apply silicone scar treatment sheets to your scars. Available in drugstores, these sheets must be applied to the scarred area and left there for several days. Once you remove the sheets, the scars will be lighter and less noticeable.

Use a circular motion to massage your bedbug scars. Repeated massage will help to break up scar tissue so that the scars fade more quickly. It also encourages circulation so the skin can be better nourished.

Talk to your dermatologist about skin bleaching cream. Often, new scars are pink, red or purple in color. Bleaching cream can help to lighten your scars so they better blend in with surrounding skin. While there are bleaching creams available over-the-counter in most cosmetic and drugstores, you can get higher strength creams via a doctor's prescription.

Get chemical peels. Chemicals will react with the top layers of your skin, burning them away. While it will take a few days for your skin to heal, it will appear smoother and less scarred once it does. Chemical peels are available in different strengths, ranging from light to deep. Your dermatologist will be able to advise you on the appropriate strength for your scars.

Try laser treatment. A dermatologist or licensed practitioner will use a laser's light on your bedbug scars. The light will break up scar tissue and rejuvenate your skin, making it smoother and less damaged. With repeated treatments, you should be able to completely get rid of your bedbug scars/

Getting rid of bed bug scars and marks involves replacing the mattress to void future marks and using a fade cream on...

Whether it's mosquitos, ants, bed bugs, bees, no-see-ums, chiggers or giant killer roaches--bug bites are the pits. The number one recommendation is...

How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Scars and Marks. Bedbug bites can leave serious damage on the skin. While most bites...

How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Scars and Marks. Bedbug bites can leave serious damage on the skin. While most bites...

Keep reading to find out how to get rid of bed bug bites. Other People ... How to Get Rid of Bed...

How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Scars & Marks. Causes of Plantar Warts. Removing Warts at Home. Does Potato Juice Get...

"Getting Rid of Bed Bugs"; How To Get Rid Bed Bug Bite Marks "Daily Glow"; How to Get Rid of Insect Bite...

More often than not, the first discovery of infestation is not the bed bug, but the bite. A bite mark looks a...

Originally posted here:
How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Scars and Marks | eHow

Follow

Bed bugs are tiny parasitic insects that live by feeding off the blood of warm-blooded animals, most often humans. Bed bugs have re-emerged at an alarming rate in major cities and are being found everywhere from upscale homes to movie theaters and major department stores. These tiny bugs are the size of an apple seed.

Look for any red bites that resemble mosquito bites. Bed bugs often bite three or four times in very close proximity. The bites might have a center that is darker red. According to the Mayo Clinic, bed bug bites often resemble other insect bites.

Inspect your body in the morning for any abnormal red welts that are swelling. Some people have very harsh reactions to the bites and the bites can swell to large quarter-sized red marks.

Check your bed for any abnormal dark red or brown stains. Take off the sheets and search the seams of your mattress. Because bed bugs feast on blood, their waste also looks like blood. If you find various dark stains on your mattress, couch or anywhere you tend to sit and spend a lot of time, it can be a sign of bed bugs.

Use a magnifying glass and look for tiny, thin, beetle-like insects on your mattress or couches. Bed bugs usually don't come out in daylight so you might want to check in the middle of the night. If they have not fed they are transparent. A bed bug that has just fed and is full of blood is dark red and will ooze blood if squeezed. If you find these types of insects call an exterminator for a professional evaluation.

How to Identify Insect Bites by Pictures. ... How to Identify Bed Bug Bites. Bedbugs are small insects that most commonly live...

The bed bug is a vile, bloodsucking creature that has ruined the sleep of humans throughout history. The good news? They cant...

How to Tell If You Have Bed Bug Bites. Bed bugs are nocturnal parasites that hide in the cracks and seams of...

Bedbugs are small insects that most commonly live under the covers of a bed. The pests enjoy the darkness and feed on...

Checking for bed bugs is essential if you are wake up with bites and the urge to scratch. Bed bugs are small...

What Causes Overnight Bites Besides Bed Bugs?. ... View Photos Fabulous Fireplaces for Any Style You May Like. Symptoms of Bed Bug...

Link:
How to Check for Bed Bug Bites | eHow